International School Ibadan Reopens After Hijab Controversy

The International School Ibadan (ISI), which was shut down on Nov. 19 over the crisis on the use of Hijab by female Muslim students, has been reopened.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the school was shut down when some Muslim parents insisted that the use of Hijab was a constitutional right of female children.

A visit to the school by a  correspondent of  NAN on Monday confirmed the resumption of academic studies.

NAN also observed that security men from the University of Ibadan had been stationed at the entrance leading to the main gate of the school to maintain law and order.

Parents were not allowed to enter the school’s premises and were asked to park their cars outside while their wards entered the premises.

A security man at the gate of the school told NAN there was an order by the school management barring journalists and parents from entering the school.

The principal of the school, Mrs Phebean Olowe,  could not be reached for comments.

The Chairman of the school’s Board of  Governors, Prof.  Yinka Aderinto, said in a statement on Sunday that the decision and outcome of the board meeting of Nov. 14 should be respected.

Aderinto, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) of the University of Ibadan, said those seeking a  change in dress code should follow due process.

He, however, said the final decision on any such change still lied with the board.

“The International School is a private school and is guided by its own policies, rules and regulations.

“The meeting also noted that there is a subsisting court judgment that has affirmed the private status of the school.

“The status quo as regards students’ dress code as contained in the school rules and regulations should be maintained.

“Adequate measures should be put in place to forestall breakdown of law and order in the school,’’ he said. (NAN)