The ten Mission Secondary school earlier shut by the Kwara State government are to remain closed for a longer time, the government has extended the closure of the schools, all located with the capital, Ilorin.
The schools are to remain shut over security concerns, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development said in a statement on Monday.
Kwara shut the 10 schools belonging to Christian Missions in the state on February 19, 2021, as the crisis over the wearing of Hijab by Muslim female students who are attending the schools deepened.
Previously the government announced it had approved the wearing of Hijab in all government grant-aided public schools in the state, and subsequently ordered the reopening of the schools on Monday, March 8, 2021 (today).
This plan changed with announcement by the Ministry.
“Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development wishes to inform members of the public that the 10 government schools where the use of hijaab is disputed will remain shut until a later date.
“This decision has been taken for safety reasons.
The school to main closed re C&S College, Sabo Oke, ST. Anthony College, Offa Road, ECWA School, Oja Iya, Surulere Baptist Secondary School, Bishop Smith Secondary School, Agba Dam, and CAC Secondary School Asa Dam road.
Others are St. Barnabas Secondary School Sabo Oke, St. John School Maraba, St. Williams Secondary School Taiwo Isale, and St. James Secondary School Maraba.
“The government, therefore, directs school children 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 ministry announced.
