The Oyo State Muslim Community has appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde to ensure that Muslim students across the state are allowed to receive Islamic Religious instruction in all public schools, irrespective of the schools’ historical religious affiliations.
In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman, Alhaji Ishaq Kunle Sanni, and the Secretary, Alhaji Mursiq Bidemi Siyanbade, the group expressed concern over what it described as the growing difficulty faced by Muslim students in accessing Islamic Religious Studies (IRS) in some government-funded schools, particularly those originally founded by Christian missions but now fully managed and financed by the state government.
The community commended Governor Makinde for previous inclusive actions, particularly the recruitment of Muslim teachers during the last round of teacher employment in the state. However, it expressed dismay that, despite federal directives mandating equal treatment of religious education, some school administrators continue to block the teaching of Islam.
“When Governor Makinde acceded to our request and employed many Muslims, we openly showed our appreciation. That was an unprecedented act of justice,” the statement read. “However, the teaching of Islam in some public schools remains contentious, despite these schools being fully funded and staffed by the government.”
The Muslim community cited a recent policy from the Federal Ministry of Education, issued through the National Council on Education (NCE), which stipulates that both Islamic and Christian Religious Studies should be taught concurrently in all public schools and that no student should be compelled to study a religion other than their own.
According to the group, the implementation of this directive in Oyo State allegedly led to the redeployment of the former Commissioner for Education, Professor Saliu Adelabu, who had earlier circulated a memo to enforce the federal policy. The community claimed his transfer from the Ministry of Education to the Ministry of Establishment was politically motivated.
“Professor Adelabu’s only ‘offence’ was his attempt to implement the federal directive allowing both religions to be taught in public schools,” the statement alleged.
The group also raised concerns about the enforcement of the Supreme Court’s judgment on the use of hijab by Muslim schoolgirls, commending the governor for initially approving the policy but expressing disappointment that some Christian principals allegedly continue to defy it.
“Although the Supreme Court has settled the hijab issue, some school heads still refuse to allow Muslim girls to wear it. None of these principals have been sanctioned,” the statement said.
Calling for renewed government intervention, the Oyo Muslim Community urged the governor to “show courage and political will” in ensuring justice and equality for all students in the state.
“Your Excellency, kindly have a rethink. Posterity will be kind to you if you reverse the trend and allow Muslim children to learn Islam in schools. May Allah give you the strength to do what is right,” the statement concluded.