The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has expressed disappointment over the handling of a hijab dispute at the International School, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife. According to MURIC, some female Muslim students wearing hijab were denied entry to the school, prompting them to remove their hijabs to gain access. MURIC's Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, described the incident as discriminatory and urged the university authorities to reconsider their stance on hijab.
The dispute began when the school authorities allegedly refused to allow hijab-wearing students onto the premises unless they removed their hijabs. Akintola stated that the affected students eventually removed their hijabs and returned to school after being told that the matter would not be considered by the university council until December 2026. MURIC condemned the school's approach, describing it as "arm-twisting tactics" that are "discriminatory, deplorable and tyrannical."
Akintola argued that the wearing of hijab is protected by the Nigerian Constitution's provision on freedom of religion. He emphasized that school regulations should not supersede constitutional rights, and that the university authorities should respect the religious rights of Muslim students. According to Akintola, the policy amounts to religious stereotyping and could have negative implications for campus and communal harmony.
The MURIC Executive Director also expressed concerns about the potential impact of the dispute on girl-child education and the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria. He noted that excluding students from school for wearing hijab is inconsistent with efforts to promote education and reduce the number of out-of-school children. Akintola urged the university authorities to resolve the matter in accordance with constitutional provisions and principles of religious freedom.
MURIC called for the unconditional and immediate lifting of the reported hijab ban at the International School, citing the need to preserve OAU's reputation as a leading institution of learning. The group also raised concerns about the possible effects of the dispute on relations between the university community and the wider community. Akintola emphasized that the argument that the use of hijab violates school rules is not valid, given the constitutional protection of religious freedom.
The dispute has sparked concerns about the need for schools to respect the religious rights of students. Akintola's statement highlights the importance of promoting tolerance and understanding in educational institutions. The incident has also raised questions about the role of schools in promoting or restricting religious freedom.
The OAU authorities have not publicly commented on the dispute, but MURIC's condemnation has drawn attention to the issue. The group's call for the lifting of the hijab ban and respect for Muslim students' rights has sparked a conversation about the need for schools to accommodate diverse religious practices.
Key points
- MURIC condemns OAU International School for denying entry to female Muslim students wearing hijab
- The dispute centers on the school's alleged ban on hijab, which MURIC argues is discriminatory and unconstitutional
- MURIC calls for the unconditional lifting of the hijab ban to preserve OAU's reputation and promote religious freedom
