There is tension in Ilorin, Kwara state capital over the state government’s approval of hijab-wearing for female pupils in 10 grant-aided mission schools.

Founders of some of the schools had planned to stage a peaceful protest on Monday in Ilorin to register their disapproval of the decision.

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

“The state 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,” it said.

In a statement 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.