Date: 2021-03-10

There is tension in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, following the state government's approval of hijab-wearing for female pupils in 10 government schools.

The government has reportedly deployed a detachment of security personnel comprising the Army, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and others in the concerned schools.

It was learnt that the founders of some of the schools had planned to stage a peaceful protest today in Ilorin to register their disapproval of the decision.

To avert breakdown of law and order, the state government said the schools in question remained shut.

The schools were meant for reopening yesterday after almost two weeks of closure, occasioned by hijab controversy.

"The Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development wishes to inform the public that the 10 government schools where the use of hijab is disputed will remain shut until a later date.

"This decision has been taken for safety reasons."

In a statement, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, listed the schools as Cherubim and Seraphim (C&S) College, St. Anthony College, ECWA School, Baptist Secondary School, Bishop Smith Secondary School, Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Secondary School, St. Barnabas Secondary School, St. John School Maraba, St. Williams Secondary School and St. James Secondary School all in Ilorin metropolis.

"The government therefore directs schoolchildren and teachers in the affected schools to remain at home until the contrary is announced.

"The government remains committed to fairness, pluralism and respect for the law and rights of every citizen at all times," the statement said.