MURIC Accuses OAU International School of Blocking Hijab-Wearing Students

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has accused the authorities of the International School, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, of preventing female Muslim students wearing hijab from accessing the school.

MURIC alleged that some Muslim students were locked out of the school for several days after being asked to remove their hijabs before they could enter the premises.

In a statement issued on Monday, the organisation’s Executive Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, described the alleged action as discriminatory and an infringement on the students’ constitutional right to religious freedom.

According to MURIC, the affected students eventually removed their hijabs and returned to school after allegedly being informed that the OAU Governing Council would not consider the matter until December 2026.

Akintola condemned what he described as an attempt by the school authorities to pressure the students, saying the alleged policy was “discriminatory, deplorable and tyrannical.”

He further accused the school of implementing what he called a “hate-induced policy” and “aggravated Islamophobia.”

The MURIC director argued that wearing the hijab should not prevent Muslim students from receiving education, noting that Section 38 of the Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion.

He said any school rule restricting the wearing of hijab must be consistent with constitutional provisions protecting religious freedom.

MURIC also expressed concern that the alleged action could undermine the religious identity of the affected students and discourage them from wearing the hijab.

Akintola questioned whether the authorities were using their positions to pressure Muslim students to abandon their religious practices or convert to Christianity, although MURIC did not provide evidence to substantiate the allegation.

The organisation called on the OAU and the International School authorities to respect constitutional provisions on religious freedom and ensure peaceful coexistence among students and staff.

MURIC also warned that the alleged policy could create tension within the school and the wider community if not addressed.

The group therefore demanded the immediate and unconditional lifting of what it described as a ban on hijab, urging the institution to promote girl-child education and ensure that religious identity does not become a barrier to students’ access to education.