The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has condemned the alleged refusal by the authorities of the International School, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, to admit female Muslim students wearing hijab.
MURIC alleged that the students were locked out of the school for several days after the authorities insisted that they remove their hijabs before entering the school premises.
In a statement issued on Monday by its Executive Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, the organisation described the alleged action as discriminatory, oppressive and an infringement of the students’ right to religious freedom.
MURIC said the students eventually removed their hijabs and returned to school after they were allegedly informed that the OAU Governing Council would not deliberate on the matter until December 2026.
“This is a sad development. MURIC condemns the school’s arm-twisting tactics. It is discriminatory, deplorable and tyrannical,” Akintola said.
He accused the school authorities of adopting what he described as a “hate-induced policy” and “aggravated Islamophobia.”
Akintola argued that the use of hijab should not be grounds for denying the students access to education, adding that religious freedom was guaranteed under Section 38 of the Nigerian Constitution.
“The argument that the use of hijab violates the school’s rules does not hold any water. The Nigerian Constitution grants religious freedom, including freedom to use hijab,” he said.
The group also alleged that the school’s action could affect the students’ religious identity and discourage them from wearing the hijab in the future.
MURIC further questioned whether the school authorities were using their positions to pressure Muslim students to convert to Christianity, although the organisation did not provide evidence to support the allegation.
“By the actions taken by them so far, are they not unduly using their positions to pressurise Muslim children for conversion to Christianity?” Akintola asked.
The organisation urged OAU and the International School authorities to respect constitutional provisions on religious freedom and promote peaceful coexistence among students and staff.
It also warned that the alleged policy could threaten campus and community peace.
MURIC called for the immediate and unconditional lifting of the alleged ban on hijab at the International School, OAU, saying the institution should support girl-child education rather than restrict students’ access to school.
