Normalcy has returned to the University of Ibadan International Secondary School (ISI) after it was shut down recently by the management as a result of crisis over the wearing of hijab by female Muslim students of the school.

The closure was sequel to the religious crisis engineered by a group of parents under the banner of Muslim Parents Forum (MPF), who are advocating the wearing of hijab in the 55-year-old private school.

A statement signed by Chairman, Board of Governors of the ISI, Professor A A Aderinto, and made available to News Express this morning said: “As we reopen, I want us all to commit to peace, for it is only in an atmosphere of peace that we can carry out our responsibilities of providing good education to our children.

“Let us not allow the events of the last one week or so, cause any disaffection among us. I plead that we reunite in the interest of our children, who have been studying together as one big family. It is also only when we reunite that other challenges facing the school can be confronted, and surmounted.”

Prof. Aderinto expressed appreciation to parents and guardians for their patience and understanding and on the roles played as individuals and as groups towards ensuring that the school reopened for normal academic activities.

He explained that “the Board of Governors and the School Management have been committed towards improving the performance of our children in ISI”, adding:

“Although we recorded an almost 100% pass in our last two WAEC Examinations, we feel that we are not yet where we should be, which is for our students to record, as in all their subjects. This was the case some years back, when ISI ranked among the top three secondary schools in the whole of the country.

“We are positive that those glorious years will return, with all the efforts that are currently being undertaken.”

Continuing, Prof. Aderinto said: “As you may also be aware, our Vice Chancellor recently commissioned some projects in the school executed by some class sets of Ex-ISIs. Another set also laid the foundation for the construction of a block of classrooms to be completed and commissioned sometimes next year when the set will be celebrating their 30 years anniversary of their graduation from into ISI. I am aware that work is steadily progressing on the project. These are among the many other positive interventions that the school has experienced over the years.”

The Board Chairman equally appreciated the efforts of the school alumni, parents, individuals under the auspices of the Parent/Teachers Association, and others who have assisted the school in maintaining the greatness and fame for which the school is known.

“I have taken some time to highlight some of these impactful interventions because they were accomplished in a spirit of that one big ISI family. It is that peace and oneness of purpose that I plead with you to allow to continue to guide our actions,” he said.

Prof. Aderinto appealed to stakeholders to continue to abide by the rules and regulations of the school, and follow the due process in attempts to restore change in any aspect of the rules of the school, since “ISI is a legacy that we inherited, and which we must pass on to generations coming after us.”

He prayed that God will continue to help the children to learn, play and share together so that the world becomes more beautiful everyday for them.

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