The Ogun State Muslim Council (OMC) has formally appealed to the state government to issue official guidelines concerning religious practices in schools, particularly in relation to the teaching of Islamic Religious Knowledge (IRK) and the use of the hijab by Muslim students.
In a letter to the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Asiwaju Kamaldeen Akintunde, the Secretary-General of the Ogun State Muslim Council, raised concerns about the lack of formal regulation regarding religious expression in schools.
While acknowledging the current administration’s general friendliness towards faith-based matters, Akintunde emphasized that formal guidelines were necessary to protect the rights of all students, particularly Muslims.
The letter highlighted a disturbing trend within some schools, especially those previously classified as “mission schools” but now owned by the state.
In particular, the OMC cited reports from several schools, including Lisabi Grammar School, Abeokuta Grammar School, Baptist Boys’ High School, Abeokuta, and Methodist High School in Sagamu.
According to the OMC, there has been a systematic removal or failure to replace Islamic Religious Knowledge (IRK) teachers at these institutions, which the council believes is a violation of students’ rights to practise their religion.
“It is particularly troubling that while Muslim students are being denied access to IRK education, Muslim-oriented schools are free to teach Christian Religious Knowledge (CRK),” Akintunde wrote.
The council expressed concern that this discrepancy undermines the state government’s commitment to religious tolerance and fairness in educational settings.
In addition to concerns about the teaching of religious subjects, the OMC also raised issues regarding the use of the hijab by Muslim female students.
Despite earlier statements from the Ogun State government that there were no prohibitions against the use of the hijab, Akintunde noted that the absence of formal guidelines has created confusion and discomfort for Muslim students who are unsure of the official stance.
The OMC argued that the issuance of a formal circular on the matter would go a long way in clarifying the government’s position and preventing the arbitrary imposition of restrictions.
“We believe that Ogun State, being the only South-Western state yet to issue a formal stance on this issue, should take this opportunity to demonstrate fairness, justice, and harmony for all students,” Akintunde said.
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