MURIC Demands Hijab Rights for Students at OAU School

MURIC, led by Executive Director Prof. Ishaq Akintola, expressed concern regarding the restriction of hijabs at the International School of Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife. The organization reported that some Muslim students were denied entry to the school for several days due to their hijab attire.

The students were informed they would have to wait until December 2026 for the university council to address the issue. Eventually, the affected students removed their hijabs to gain access to the school.

MURIC condemned this action as discriminatory and a violation of religious freedom, referencing Section 38 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. The organization urged the university and school authorities to lift the hijab ban, emphasizing the need for respect for students' religious rights and the importance of accommodating these rights within the school’s regulations.

MURIC also highlighted the potential negative impact on the educational experience of the affected students and called for a resolution that promotes peaceful coexistence.