Ilorin School Clears Air on Alleged Discrimination, Approves Hijab Use for Female Students

The management of the Federal Staff School, Adewole, Ilorin, has dismissed allegations of religious bias levelled against it, describing the claims as “fabricated and malicious lies.”

In a rejoinder issued in Ilorin and jointly signed by the Chairperson of the Kwara State chapter of the National Forum of Heads of Federal Government Establishments in Nigeria, Mrs. Fausat Folashade Kadir, and the Secretary, Mrs. Ilufoye Kafayat, the school management said it has always upheld the principles of religious freedom and mutual respect among staff and students.

The clarification followed reports by some parents who accused the school of barring Muslim girls from wearing the hijab within the school premises.

The parents had allegedly petitioned the Kwara State Ministry of Education, accusing the management of religious discrimination.

According to reports, a planned protest by some aggrieved parents was halted after swift intervention by community stakeholders and education authorities.

However, the school, in its statement, maintained that it has never discriminated against any student based on religion.

“The management respects the secularity of our existence and has never undermined anyone’s right to practice their faith,” the statement read.
“When similar issues arose years ago, a general meeting resolved that the status quo should be maintained to preserve peace and unity in the school.”

The management noted that while the school encourages uniformity in dressing, Muslim female students are permitted to wear hijab during prayers and Muslim Students’ Society (MSS) programmes, but not in classrooms.

It also highlighted that both a modern mosque and a chapel had been constructed within the school premises to allow freedom of worship for all students.

“It is therefore misleading and embarrassing to accuse the school of religious intolerance,” the statement added. “We urge the public to disregard such false online publications stirring unnecessary tension.”

In what appears to be a major resolution, the management announced plans to introduce a customised hijab that would align with the school’s uniform standards.

“After consultations with stakeholders and the Ministry of Education, the forum approved the design and production of a standardised hijab for Muslim female pupils,” the communique revealed.
“The customised hijab will be introduced officially in the second term of 2026. Until then, the existing arrangement remains in place.”

The school expressed gratitude to the Kwara State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, as well as the media and parents for their calm intervention and support.

Observers recall that the hijab issue has previously sparked tension in parts of Kwara State, particularly between Christian and Muslim interest groups.

The matter was eventually resolved through the intervention of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who approved the use of hijab for willing Muslim female students in public schools after dialogue with religious leaders.