MURIC Raises Alarm Over Alleged Hijab Ban, Forced CRK in Ekiti Schools

MURIC Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola

MURIC Raises Alarm Over Alleged Hijab Ban, Forced CRK in Ekiti Schools

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called on the Ekiti State Government to investigate allegations that female Muslim students are being denied the use of hijab in public schools and that Muslim students who registered for Islamic Religious Knowledge (IRK) are being made to take Christian Religious Knowledge (CRK).

The organisation made the demand in a statement issued on Monday, September 28, 2026, by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, following allegations raised by the League of Imams and Alfas in Ekiti State.

The League reportedly raised the allegations at its monthly meeting held at the Central Mosque, Iyin-Ekiti, on Thursday, September 24.

MURIC described the allegations as “grave, concerning and unnerving”, arguing that, if established, the reported practices would raise serious questions about religious freedom and the rights of Muslim pupils in public schools.

Akintola said the alleged denial of hijab to Muslim female students was particularly concerning, arguing that Muslim women and girls should be able to observe their religious dress requirements.

“In the 21st century, when hijab is allowed in London, Paris and New York schools, female Muslim students are still being denied the use of hijab in public schools in Ekiti State,” he said.

He questioned the state’s record on religious tolerance, saying the allegations appeared inconsistent with claims of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among religious communities in Yorubaland.

MURIC also expressed concern over the allegation that Muslim students who had registered for IRK were being compelled to study CRK.

The group described the alleged practice as “anachronistic, myopic and repressive”, and called on the state government to examine the conduct of education officials involved.

Akintola said MURIC was opposed to what it described as “illegal, illegitimate, unlawful and unconstitutional practices” in the state’s education sector.

He further linked the latest allegations to previous incidents involving Muslims in Ekiti, citing an alleged clash between traditionalists and Muslims at Ikun in Moba Local Government Area, during which an imam was reportedly injured and a mosque vandalised.

He also referred to a previous controversy over the proposed demolition of four mosques during the administration of former Governor Ayo Fayose, as well as the reported demolition of Sabo Central Mosque in Aramoko-Ekiti in April 2025.

According to Akintola, the incidents cited by MURIC demonstrated the need for the state government to address complaints concerning religious rights before tensions escalate.

“We therefore charge the Ekiti State Government to investigate the allegations levelled by the League of Imams against Ekiti State education officials with a view to making amends,” he said.

On the constitutional dimension, MURIC cited Section 38 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of thought, conscience and religion.

Akintola argued that Muslim students should not be compelled to receive religious instruction contrary to their faith, while calling on education authorities to ensure that pupils are allowed to practise their religion without discrimination.

He said the allegations, if established, would amount to violations of the rights of Muslim children and urged the Ekiti Government to take corrective measures.

MURIC’s statement, however, characterised the alleged actions in stronger terms, accusing those responsible of religious intolerance and persecution of Muslims.

The organisation consequently urged the state government to investigate the claims made by the League of Imams and ensure that religious freedom and the rights of students are protected in public schools across Ekiti State.