Crisis Brews Over Use Of Hijab In Christian Schools In Kwara State

 

There may be a commotion, tomorrow, in about 10 Christian secondary schools in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, if the imbroglio surrounding the use of veil (hijab) by Muslim female students, is not amicably resolved.

The 10 schools built by different Christian denominations had experienced grant aiding by the state government, 47 years ago, during the military era of the late David Bamigboye, as the governor.

Kwara State government had set up different committees, the latest being the one headed by the Deputy Governor, Mr. Kayode Alabi, to resolve the crisis.

Besides, it's miles believed that the problem over hijab had reached the Supreme Court, as church leaders and their Boards of Trustees were said to be praying the court docket for a return of these faculties to their proprietors.

Shina Ibiyeye Esq, who is the Spokesman for the state bankruptcy of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), stated the problem of hijab turned into not raised at any stage of the litigations over the battle for the go back of the faculties to owners.

Ibiyeye, even as bringing up a trite cliche on regulation, stated: “No acknowledged courtroom under the solar need to grant any request that turned into now not pleaded for by the litigants acting before it.” He puzzled how the difficulty need to be included in any judgment.

He said notwithstanding the development, the fame quo ante need to were maintained until Supreme Court’s selection turned into churned out on the problem.

He faulted the government’s stance on the use of the veil in specified faculties.

Already, the state’s CAN said it'd face up to one of these pass, pronouncing churches concerned might not permit go the heritage in their forebears “at anything charge.”

A famous radio Islamic preacher in Ilorin, Prof. Abubakre Ali-Agan had sued for peace, imploring parties inside the disaster to embrace tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

Already, the Baptist Conference and Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) mutually criticised the kingdom government for allegedly taking a incorrect selection in approving the sporting of hijab in provide-aided mission colleges.

President, Kwara Baptist Conference, Rev. Victor Dada stated the government took a wrong choice by means of its blanket approval of carrying of hijab for female students in assignment faculties.

Chairman, ECWA Ilorin District Church Council, Rev. John Owoeye stated: “We call for the return of our schools to us in earnest. We refuse enforcement of hijab on our students, understanding full well that our faculties are church heritage and we will use every licit manner to defend it. We promise to protect our religion and property with the entire of our power and might.”