The Kwara State Government has warned school principals in the state to desist from imposing the wearing of hijab (female Muslim headscarf) or beret on any student.

The warning came on the heels of fresh controversy on the wearing of hijab in some Christian Schools; Oyun Baptist High School, Ijagbo and St Claire’s Girls Secondary School, Offa in Oyun, and Offa Local Government Area respectively.

Speaking at a meeting held at the Kwara State Teaching Service Commission in Ilorin, Chairman of the Commission, Mallam Bello Abubakar, reaffirmed the determination of the government to promote religious tolerance among teachers and students and enhance peaceful coexistence.

According to a statement signed by Peter Amogbonjaye, Press Secretary in TESCOM, the meeting was held with the aim of resolving the crisis over Hijab which erupted recently, at Oyun Baptist Grammar School, Ijagbo, Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

Bello reminded the gathering that Kwara State is a state of harmony and advised everyone to remain good ambassadors for the coming generation.

The Chairman, who warned that the present administration would not tolerate religious bigotry, enjoined all to shun religious sentiments and respect the rights of individuals.

“He thereafter warned the Principals in Oyun axis to abide by the policy of the Kwara State Government and desist from imposing Hijab on any student, instead, it should be made optional,” part of the statement read.

Lending his voice at the meeting, a Permanent Member of the Commission, Mallam Suleiman Danseko, urged the principals across the state to shun hypocrisy and religious bias in discharging their legitimate duties.

Also speaking, the President of All Nigeria Confederation of Secondary School Principals, Kwara State wing, Alhaji Toyin Abdullahi, expressed his displeasure over the development and urged all the principals to maintain religious neutrality in resolving any issue in their schools.