The Association of Christian Schools in Nigeria, ASCN, has appealed to the Kwara State government to reopen the schools it shut, following controversies that trailed the rejection of wearing hijab by their owners.
National President of the association, Dr. Ekaete Ettang, made the appeal during a press conference in Jos at the weekend.
Recall that the Kwara Ministry of Education in February, ordered the temporary closure of 10 grant-aided secondary schools in Ilorin, pending the resolution of the controversy over hijab wearing in the schools.
Muslim leaders had insisted that students should be allowed to use the head covering in accordance with the Constitution, but their Christian counterparts said such negates the heritage of the missions, who built the schools.
But Ettang said the decision was “embarrassing,” adding that it could lead to chaos, if not properly handled.
He siad, “ACSN, as an umbrella body for all Christian and mission schools, is shocked and embarrassed by the decision of the Kwara State government to forcefully close down schools merely because of issues of uniforms.
“These are duly registered schools, with their own unique Christian identities and closing them down for insisting on maintaining their identity is not a good decision.
“This is very dangerous, because, if not properly and immediately checked and nipped in the bud, it could breed serious problem.
“These mission schools are also supporting the government to carry out its function of providing quality education to the children and shaping lives, hence they should not be coerced into doing things against the Christan practice.
“So, we wish to call on the Kwara State government to reverse its decision and reopen the schools, it is time to accord recognition and respect to our peculiarities and uniqueness.”
Ettang aslo called on the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, NGF, religious leaders, and all critical stakeholders in the education sector to wade into the matter.
He added, “It is time to know that we are not just private schools, but faith-based schools and have our unique identity we deserve to be treated as such.”
The affected schools include; Cherubim and Seraphim College, St. Anthony College, ECWA School, Surulere Baptist Secondary School, Bishop Smith Secondary School, and CAC Secondary School.
Other are: St. Barnabas Secondary School, St. John School, St. Williams Secondary School and St. James Secondary School.
