UI International School Shut Indefinitely Over Use Of Hijab
The University of Ibadan International School (UIIS was on Monday shut down indefinitely for academic activities over the use of Hijab by the female students in the school
The Chairman, Board of Governors, Professor A.A. Aderinto in a letter addressed to the parents copy of which was made available to newsmen in Ibadan on Monday, said it was a difficult decision for the Board of Governors to avert break down of law and order.
The letter tagged: “An Appeal For Calm”, Aderinto said “I am reaching you through this medium to apologise for failing to hold classes today, and for closing the school to academic activities.
“This was a very difficult decision for me to take on behalf of the Board of Governors, but one which I had to take to prevent further breakdown of law and order,” he said.
Aderinto recalled the school had been battling with “a religious crisis since Monday, November 12, 2018, following a letter we received from a body of Muslim Parents notifying us of the commencement of the use of hijab by female Muslim students.
“You were also aware of the resolutions of the Parents/Teachers Association’s meeting of Tuesday, November 13, 2018, and the decisions of the Board of Governors after a meeting that held on Wednesday, November 14, 2019.
“In the last one week, and particularly over the last weekend, there were many meetings held with the group by concerned individuals and notable Islamic leaders on the need for the group to drop their violent approach, and allow the school activities to proceed without further disruption while lasting solution would continue to be sought by all stakeholders in the ISI project.”
Unfortunately, he said the group had refused to yield to the call by eminent citizens, and continued their agitation, and preventing the school from opening for normal academic activities.
He added that it was most unfortunate that “our dear children have to be made to go through this experience, but I assure you that the school will come out stronger at the end of it all.’’
Aderinto therefore appealed to the parents to remain calm while concerted efforts were being made to ensure that “we reopen the school very soon.”
