CITIZENS COMPASS—The League of Imams and Alfas in Ekiti State has alleged that female Muslim students are being denied the use of hijab in public schools in the state. They also accused education authorities in the state of imposing Christian Religious Knowledge (CRK) on Muslim students who registered for Islamic Religious Knowledge (IRK).
The allegations were made at the League’s monthly meeting held at the Central Mosque, Iyin-Ekiti, on Thursday, September 24, 2026.
In its reaction, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), speaking through its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola on Monday, 28th September, 2026, described the allegations as grave, concerning and unnerving.
”These are provocative infringements on Allah-given fundamental human rights of minors’, he said. “These allegations are grave, concerning and unnerving. They expose Ekiti education authorities and their policies as discriminatory, intolerant and repulsive.”
“In the 21st century, hijab is allowed in London, Paris and New York schools! Female Muslim students are still being denied the use of hijab in public schools in Ekiti State! This state used to be described as the most educationally advanced in the South West.
Is this not shameful?
“We are surprised that these are the same people who always claim that there is religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in Yorubaland. But where is the tolerance now? Where is mutual understanding and reciprocal respect?
“The state’s education authorities also allegedly impose Christian Religious Knowledge (CRK) on Muslim students who registered for Islamic Religious Knowledge (IRK) (
”It is anachronistic, myopic and repressive. It smirks of religious intolerance of the highest order.
Expatiating further, Akintola said, “MURIC frowns at Ekiti State’s illegal, illegitimate, unlawful and unconstitutional practices in the education sector.
“The allegations brought against the education authorities in Ekiti constitute incontrovertible pieces of evidence of malicious and tyrannical persecution of Muslims in Yorubaland.
“It was in the same Ekiti State that traditionalists attacked Muslims in their mosque for making the call to prayer (adhan).
The Imam sustained serious injuries in the head while the mosque, situated at Ikun community in MobaLocal government Area of Ekiti, was vandalised
“But for quick intervention, Fayose, a former governor of the state, nearly demolished four mosques in Ekiti
In spite of this, Sabo Central Mosque, Aramoko, Ekiti State, did not escape demolition in April 2025 (https://independent.ng/mosque-demolition-muric-tackle-afenifere-over-alleged-bias-against-yoruba-muslims/).
“MURIC affirms that the cup of hostile acts against Muslims in Ekiti State is already filled to the brim. It must not be allowed to spill over.
”We therefore charge the Ekiti State government to investigate the allegations leveled by the League of Imams against Ekiti State education officials with a view to making amends.
“The use of hijab by female Muslims whether in schools or offices is already a bygone conclusion. Section 38 (i) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees religious freedom and the right to appear in one’s religious apparels.
“In addition Sub section (ii) of the same constitutional provision prohibits the teaching of children in religions other than their parents’ faith. It is therefore imperative for the education authorities in the state to stop the unconstitutional practice of teaching Muslim children Christian religious knowledge (CRK).
“What the education authorities in EkitiState are doing to Muslim children is therefore an open assault on constitutional rights, an exhibition of pathological hatred for Muslims and their faith and an incurable manifestation of religious extremism.The goal of those behind this diabolical scheme is to categorically obliterate Islam in the state. But their plot will fail by the grace of Allah.”
