A statement signed by the Director of Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Mr. Semiu Okalawon, said setting up of the panel became imperative as government is determined to find a lasting solution to the crisis.
“Government recognizes protest as a legitimate avenue for registering grievances under a democratic regime, but government will not condone acts of indiscipline in any form from any quarters,” said the statement.
Daily Trust gathered that at least 92 of the 2,500 students of the Baptist High School were accused of misconduct and indiscipline following their participation in the recent protest in the school over dress code.
The affected students and their parents were summoned by the government for a meeting last Friday, but the Baptist Conference in the state asked them to shun the invitation.
The Baptist Conference in a communiqué signed by the President of Baptist Convention, Rev. Paul Oluwole, also urged Christian students in the state to continue to wear religious garments to their schools.
Meanwhile, the Muslims Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Osun State chapter has urged Muslim students in public secondary schools in the state to desist from any act capable of creating chaos.
The president of the society, Alhaji Bashir Olasunkanmi while addressing a press conference at NACOMYO School in Osogbo, urged Muslim students to respect law and order.
He also appealed to the state judiciary to give accelerated hearing to the case instituted by the MSSN at state High Court supporting the use of Hijab in public schools by Muslim students.
He insisted that the female muslim students in the state should be allowed to use Hijab in their respective schools since it is recommended by their religion.
“It is the right of female muslim students in any school to dress according to the dictates of their religion and no one should stop them from exercising their rights.
Our position is that it is an obligation in Islam for our ladies and women to wear Hijab wherever they may be. So, our ladies should be allowed to use Hijab in schools. And this does not hurt anyone at all,” he said.
He enjoined Christians in the state to imbibe the culture of tolerance to Islamic values and ethics for the state to enjoy religious harmony.
