The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has expressed concern over the alleged restriction of female Muslim students wearing hijab at the International School, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State. According to MURIC's Executive Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, the affected students were reportedly locked out of the school for several days because the authorities allegedly insisted that they remove their hijabs before being allowed into the school compound.
Akintola stated that the students eventually returned to school without their hijabs after the authorities allegedly indicated that the matter would not be considered until December 2026, when the university council is expected to deliberate on it. MURIC described the situation as "discriminatory, deplorable and tyrannical," arguing that the students' religious rights should not be compromised over the wearing of hijab.
The organisation accused the school authorities of "premeditated stereotyping" and an alleged "hate-induced policy" against Muslims. Akintola questioned why hijab should become a contentious issue in a school environment, arguing that the head covering is commonly worn by Muslim women and girls in many parts of the world.
Akintola expressed concern that the controversy could affect the emotional and religious development of the students, who are still at an impressionable age. He further alleged that some Muslim members of staff of the university were unhappy with the development but had remained silent in what he described as an effort to preserve campus harmony.
The MURIC director also questioned whether the school authorities were using their positions to pressure Muslim students to abandon their religious practices. He urged both OAU and the International School to address the allegations and stressed that Muslims across the country were becoming aware of the controversy.
MURIC maintained that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and argued that school regulations should not be used to undermine that constitutional right. The organisation cited a UNICEF figure of 18.3 million out-of-school children in Nigeria in 2025 and questioned the wisdom of preventing underage girls from attending school over their religious attire.
The organisation called on OAU and the authorities of the International School to immediately and unconditionally lift the restriction on hijab, adding that only thus can OAU retain its respect and good name as a world-class tertiary institution.
Key points
- MURIC condemns OAU International School for restricting female Muslim students from wearing hijab.
- The restriction is considered discriminatory and a violation of the students' constitutional right to freedom of religion.
- MURIC urges OAU to lift the restriction and respect the students' right to wear hijab.
