The Kwara state government has reaffirmed the use of the hijab by willing Muslim schoolgirls, in all categories of public schools in the state.
The Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Hajia Sa’adatu Moddibo-Kawu, made this known on Tuesday at a meeting with stakeholders.
It was during a peaceful meeting between Muslim and Christian stakeholders of Ijagbo, Oyun Local Government area, held at the Ministry’s Headquarters, Ilorin on Tuesday.
A statement issued by Mr Yakub Aliagan, the Press Secretary, Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, to newsmen, on Tuesday, confirmed the development.
It said the policy statement of the Kwara state government allowing willing Muslim schoolgirl to wear the hijab in all public schools, including grant-aided ones, was binding.
“This conforms with the judicial pronouncements of the courts of law and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” it said.
The statement said the commissioner, therefore, appealed to both Muslim and Christian leaders to allow peace to reign in the state.
Hajia Modibbo-Kawu thereafter directed the school heads of Oyun Baptist High School, Ijagbo, to immediately implement the policy statement on the use of the hijab in public schools.
The Commissioner warned that anybody trying to sabotage the peaceful coexistence amongst the people of Kwara would be made to face the full wrath of the law.
According to the statement, the meeting was also attended by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, the Teaching Service Commission and TESCOM Board members, ANCOPSS/ NUT members.
Also in attendance were the Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, Ijagbo, Rev. Samuel Ajayi, Chairman Muslim Stakeholders, Offa & Oyun LGA, Abubakar AbdulWasiu and the Chairman, Kwara state Muslim stakeholders, among others.
