2026/2027 Academic Session:MURIC Accuses Ogun Public Schools of Intimidating Muslim Students Over Use of Hijab

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has accused principals, head teachers, teachers and other officials of some of the public primary and secondary schools of Intimidating Muslim Students over wearing of Hijab, following the resumption for the new 2026/2027 academic session a week ago in Ogun State 

The right group congratulating students, teachers, parents, school administrators and other stakeholders on the commencement of another academic session, cautioned against any act of intimidation, harassment, discrimination or religious pressure on Muslim students, particularly over the use of hijab

The State Chairman of MURIC, Ustaadh Tajudeen Jimoh Alao who raised the concern over the alleged intimidation in a statement made available to Edu-biznews by its State Secretary, Ambassador Olaleye Rasheed Damilare, reminded all stakeholders that public schools belong to everyone irrespective of religious or ethnic background. 

"No Muslim teacher has the right to impose Islamic beliefs on Christian learners, just as no Christian teacher has the right to impose Christian beliefs on Muslim learners".

"This is because Education should remain a tool for liberation, character development, intellectual growth and peaceful coexistence, rather than an avenue for intimidating students or imposing religious beliefs on them"

 

"Our attention has been drawn to reports of ugly situations in some schools where religious matters, including the wearing of hijab by Muslim students, have allegedly become sources of unnecessary confrontation between school authorities and students"

MURIC stressed the need for proper implementation of government's approved policies or regulations concerning religious expression in schools,without discrimination

"We urge school administrators not to turn issues concerning students' religious identity into disciplinary battles or opportunities for humiliation", it cautioned 

MURIC maintained that a Muslim student's use of hijab should not, in itself, become a reason to intimidate, ridicule, threaten, harass or deny such a student access to education.

We urge school authorities to handle matters of religious expression with maturity, dialogue and respect for the rights of every child. Where clarification is required, the appropriate education authorities should be consulted rather than allowing individual opinions or personal religious sentiments to determine school policy.

MURIC in the statement, also called on Muslim parents and students to remain peaceful and law-abiding. 

"We urge them to report genuine cases of discrimination through appropriate channels rather than resorting to confrontation".

"Ogun State has a long history of religious coexistence. Therefore, no individual should be allowed to create unnecessary tension within the education system."

"We will not support any attempt by anyone, whether Muslim or Christian, to use a public institution as a platform for religious intimidation or manipulation. Public education must serve public interest."

MURIC therefore called on the Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and relevant education authorities to continue to provide clear guidance to school administrators on religious neutrality, students' rights and peaceful conflict resolution.

" We would continue to monitor developments and engage relevant authorities whenever credible cases of religious discrimination or intimidation are brought to its attention"

 *As we conclude, we urge school authorities to let our schools teach knowledge, discipline, character and excellence. Let us not turn the classroom into a battlefield of religious sentiments. Our children deserve an educational environment where they can learn without fear, intimidation or discrimination.* 

"MURIC wishes all students and teachers across Ogun State a peaceful, productive and successful 2026/27 academic session", the statement concluded