Seraphs and other Christian faithful in Kwara state have made an earnest appeal for intercession following the declaration of the state government to allow hijab in Christian Missions Grant Aided Schools. Among the ten affected schools is the Cherubim and Seraphim college situated in Sabo Oke, Ilorin.
In an audio SOS message sent to Acts of Seraphs, a representative of Seraphs in state described the situation as critical, while urging members of the C&S church, including well meaning Nigerians to come to their rescue.
The Christian Association of Nigeria, Kwara State chapter, had also expressed their displeasure at the development, thereby calling for prayers and fast among the Christian community in the state.
The state government last Thursday approved the right of the Muslim school girl to wear the hijab, and directed the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development to come up with a uniform hijab for all public/grant-aided schools, which will be the accepted mode of head covering in schools.
The C&S college was established in 1969. It was also said to have been changed from Christian Mission Grant Aided school to Government Aided school by one of the military administrators in 1976. Although, the name, as well as the right to independently run the affairs of the school was not affected by the development, as it remains a mission school only aided by the government.
Controversy, however, set in when some Muslim students were turned back after they allegedly wore hijab to one of the mission schools in violation of the existing dress code. The development which resulted to a skirmish between the Christian and Muslim bodies in the state soon led to temporary closure of the mission schools by the state government. A roundtable meeting was later convened to resolve the matter.
The secretary to the state government, Prof Mamma Sabah Jibril, while announcing the approval said the state government had consulted widely with thought leaders and leaders of both Muslim and Christian communities with a view to clarifying issues and reaching a consensus.
“The state government has considered submissions of all major interest groups on the matter. It has also thoroughly considered the education law of Kwara State, the prevailing court judgments and current global trends of multiculturalism in evolving a consultation-based decision that will bring lasting peace and understanding to our communities. The government has also paid particular attention to the ‘declaratory’ nature of the subsisting judgments of the Court of Appeal and their purports,” he said.
While he noted that any willing schoolgirl with the approved (uniform) hijab shall have the right to wear same in public/grant-aided schools, he stressed that the government affirms the right of every child in public schools to freedom of worship.
As the government therefore plans to reopen the schools on Monday, March 8, Christian leaders have directed their members to occupy the premises in a bid to express their reservation over the approval, and for the state government to rescind its decision.
In a communique issued by CAN and signed by its Secretary, Rev. Ibitoye JP and Pro. Apostle Shona Ibiyemi JP, the body condemned the use of hijab in Christian Mission Schools, saying this will cause discrimination in the schools.
Also in reaction to the government’s submission that the status of the schools is the subject of judicial determination and will soon be subjected to a technical committee to advise accordingly, CAN demanded that the schools be returned to the owners promptly, as most of them have Churches beside them and unnecessary trespass may lead to break down of law and order.
While the Christian body called on Christ faithful to have a day for prayers and fast for God to interface in the imbroglio, it assured of continuous interaction and dialogue with the State Government on the return of grant aided schools to the proprietors.
Rising from a meeting on Monday, March 1, Seraphs in the state equally declared their intention to occupy C&S college in joining other Christian denominations to press home their demand.
Other affected schools include: ST. Anthony College, Offa Road; ECWA School, Oja Iya; Surulere Baptist Secondary School; Bishop Smith Secondary School, Agba Dam; CAC Secondary School Asa Dam; St. Barnabas Secondary School Sabo Oke; St. John School Maraba; St. Williams Secondary School Taiwo Isale and St. James Secondary School Maraba.
All about Cherubim and Seraphim Church, wordwide
