By Correspondent in Ilorin
Kwara State Government has reopened the 10 schools it shut down, recently, over the hijaab question, though it’s peace building efforts continue.
Mrs Mary Kemi Adeosun,
the Permanent Secretary,
Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, disclosed this in a statement she signed, a copy of which was made available to The Reporters, an online media platform on Wednesday.
She said:”The government is convinced that its policy to allow _willing_ Muslim schoolgirls to wear their hijaab in public schools will lead to sustainable peace and communal harmony anchored on mutual respect and understanding.
“This path to mutual respect, understanding, and peace with regards to hijaab had long been adopted in all of the northern Nigeria and many states in the Southwest such as Lagos, Osun, Ekiti, and Oyo States.
“As the students resume normal classes, the government took special notice of the plight of those of them preparing for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination and hereby directs affected schools to hold at least two-hour extra lesson for all the intending candidates after school hours daily.
“The government will provide light lunch for the students until the beginning of their exams while teachers allotted for the extra coaching will get stipends for their efforts.
“This is to bring the students up to speed, ahead of the impending external examination. The closure of the schools was necessary to forestall security breaches which may affect lives and properties.
“The government sincerely commends the Christian and Muslim leaders for their understanding and their efforts to build peace within their respective communities in the past weeks.
“It urges everyone to join hands with the government to raise a generation of school children who will respect one another’s differences and together build a sustainable future for our state.
Finally, the government reminds all its employees, such as school principals and teachers in the affected schools to take special note of the policy. There will be zero tolerance for violation of anyone’s fundamental human rights under their watch.”
