Oyo State Reaffirms Students’ Right to Use Hijab: MURIC Hails Decision

Oyo State Backs Use of Hijab in Public Schools, MURIC Applauds Move

Ibadan, Nigeria – September 25, 2025 – The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed the right of Muslim female students to wear the hijab in all public schools across the state, a decision that has drawn commendation from the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Oyo State Chapter.

The development followed complaints from parents, led by Mallam Ayanrinde Daud, who reported that some missionary public schools were refusing admission to students wearing the hijab. In response, MURIC promptly intervened, with its state secretary, Ambassador Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, leading the affected families to the office of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Chairman, Dr. Nurain Adeniran.

According to MURIC, Dr. Adeniran assured the delegation that the issue would be addressed, requesting one week to resolve the matter. However, within two days, he reportedly contacted the group to confirm that a directive had been issued permitting the use of hijab in all public schools.

The directive was jointly signed by the Chairmen of SUBEB and the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) and endorsed by the Oyo State Commissioner for Education. It emphasizes that no student should face discrimination on the basis of religious appearance or personal rights.

With this policy, students who were previously denied entry to schools due to their use of the hijab have been urged to return to their classrooms without delay.

Describing the decision as “a historic victory for justice, equality, and human rights,” MURIC commended the Oyo State Government, SUBEB, TESCOM, and the Ministry of Education for their swift response.

MURIC also called on parents and students to immediately report any further cases of denial or harassment to its state chapter for necessary action.