The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has condemned the alleged decision by the authorities of the International School, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, to prevent Muslim students from wearing the hijab to school.
The organisation described the reported restriction as a violation of the students’ fundamental rights and an infringement on their freedom of religion.
MURIC Executive Director, Professor Isiaq Akintola, made the allegations in a statement issued on Monday.
Akintola alleged that some female Muslim students who wore the hijab were recently denied access to the school premises after authorities reportedly asked them to remove the head covering before they could enter.
He described the development as discriminatory and unacceptable, arguing that the school’s position violated the students’ constitutional right to freedom of religion.
Akintola urged the authorities of OAU and the International School to respect the laws of the country, particularly the constitutional provisions guaranteeing freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
He cited Section 38(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
“Hijab-wearing female Muslim students of the International School, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, were recently locked out of school for weeks because the authorities refused to allow them into the school compound unless they removed their hijabs,” he said.
“MURIC charges the authorities of OAU and the International School to respect the laws of the land regarding freedom of religion. One faith should not be used to oppress another.
“It is illegal, illegitimate, unlawful and unconstitutional to disallow Muslim students from enjoying religious freedom, which the Constitution guarantees them in Section 38(1) and (2).”
