Kwara okays use of hijab in public schools – Newstrends
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Kwara okays use of hijab in public schools

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The Kwara State Government has approved the use of hijab by female students in all public secondary schools in the state, thus ending a week of controversy and protest over the issue.

The state government also directed the reopening of all mission schools closed schools over the issue, with effect from March 8, 2021.

The following is a statement issued on Thursday by the state government and signed by the Secretary to the Kwara State Government, Prof Mamma Sabah Jibril:

Sequel to recent developments in our state over the status of the hijaab in public/grant-aided schools, the state government has consulted widely with thought leaders and leaders of both Muslim and Christian communities with a view to clarifying issues and reaching a consensus. The last of such meetings was held on Wednesday February 24, presided by His Excellency Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

At least 10 schools of interest were earlier shut down to maintain peace and public order as well as prevent mischief makers from taking undue advantage of the development.

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.

Consequently, the government hereby acknowledges and approves the right of the Muslim schoolgirl to wear the hijab, and directs 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. Any willing schoolgirl with the approved (uniform) hijab shall have the right to wear same in public/grant-aided schools.

 Also, the government affirms the right of every child in public schools to freedom of worship.

The government hereby directs that the affected 10 schools should reopen to commence classes on Monday 8th March 2021.

Similarly, the government has carefully noted submissions regarding ownership of grant-aided schools and related issues. While the status of these schools is the subject of judicial determination, this and other related matters will soon be subjected to a technical committee to advise accordingly. The government reassures all members of the public that it will act in good conscience at all times.

The government asserts that there is no victor or vanquished on the hijaab question. It urges the two faith communities, especially the leaders, opinion moulders and media personalities to act with restraint and great responsibility in their public utterances and actions, and continue to live in peace and harmony with one another. The government commends all the thought and religious leaders on both sides for their forbearance, understanding and commitment to peace.

Prof Mamma Sabah Jibril

Secretary to the Kwara State Government

February 25, 2021.

Education

NASU, SSANU end strike, direct members to resume work Monday

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NASU, SSANU end strike, direct members to resume work Monday

The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) have ended their one-week warning strike.

They have therefore directed their members to resume work on Monday March 25.

The leadership of the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) also directed its members to resume duty Monday.

The union however gave the federal government two weeks to pay the withheld salaries.

President of NAAT, Ibeji Nwokoma, said his association had suspended the warning strike and would be meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Education on Wednesday afternoon.

The Reps Committee had invited the three university – based unions that went on strike alongside the Minister of Education in order to find an amicable resolution of the issues that led to the strike.

In a circular to its branch chairmen, the JAC of SSANU and NASU, directed members in the universities and Inter-University centers to resume duty on Monday.

The circular, titled: “Re: 7-Days Warning Strike”, was signed by Prince Peters Adeyemi, NASU General Secretary and Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, SSANU President.

It read in part, “The leadership of National Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) acknowledge and commend the courage, tenacity. commitment and resoluteness of members of the two Unions in effectively prosecuting the 7-day warning strike action across the branches.

“After evaluating the 7-day warning strike that commenced on Monday, 18th March, 2024, the JAC confirmed that the tempo of the warning strike has been massive, comprehensive and total in most of our Universities and Inter-University Centres.

“It therefore salutes the dedication, resoluteness and loyalty of members to the cause of the Union’s struggle for the payment of 4 months’ withheld salaries. We are proud of your concerted efforts.

“Consequently, you are hereby informed that the 7-day warning strike shall end at midnight of Sunday, 24th March, 2024 and normal work will resume on Monday, 25th March, 2024.

“While assuring you that the struggle for the payment of the four months’ withheld salaries is ongoing, further issues such as Renegotiation of Year 2009 FGN/NASU and SSANU Agreements, Payment of N50 Billion Earned Allowances and others will continue to receive the same attention.

“Therefore, JAC leadership will continue meaningful engagement with the relevant government agencies in both executive and legislative arms and you will be duly notified of the next line of action(s) to be taken.”

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BREAKING: WAEC releases results of first CB-WASSCE

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BREAKING: WAEC releases results of first CB-WASSCE

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Nigeria, has released the results of the first-ever Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CB- WASSCE) for Private Candidates, 2024–First Series.

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The examination was held between Wednesday, January 31, and Saturday, February 17, 2024.

A total of 8,139 candidates sat the examination at 140 CBT centres nationwide.

BREAKING: WAEC releases results of first CB-WASSCE

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WAEC blacklists Abia schools over malpractice

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WAEC blacklists Abia schools over malpractice

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC), has barred some secondary schools in Abia State from participating in the regional body’s examination over involvement in examination malpractice.

Commissioner for Education Prof. Uche Eme Uche, who disclosed this during a press briefing in Umuahia, the state capital, said that the state had just been informed by WAEC about the development.

Although she didn’t disclose the affected schools, the commissioner noted that most of the schools affected were private schools.

The Commissioner, who frowned at any act capable of tarnishing the image of the state, said the operational licences of the affected schools would be withdrawn as a deterrent to others.

She explained that the state supported the action by WAEC as it would help halt the lowering of academic standards in schools by some dubious operators.

 Uche said the state had previously shut down some of the affected schools due to their unwholesome practices,but they  continued to cut corners.

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Speaking earlier, Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, said  the state governor, Dr Alex Otti had approved the immediate renovation of 170 primary and 51 public secondary schools across the state.

He said 10 primary and three secondary schools would be selected from each of the 17 Local Government Areas in the state.

The renovation, according to him, is to give a facelift to public schools in the state and make them conducive and attractive for learning.

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