MURIC accuses Lagos education officials of forcing Muslim students into Christian programmes
The Lagos State Chapter of the Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, has accused some education officials in the state of covertly attempting to convert Muslim students through Christian-themed events disguised as empowerment or educational programmes.
In a statement issued on Monday by its Chairman, Dr Busari Muhammad Jamiu Ademola, the group urged the Lagos State Government to caution officials in various education districts and halt what it described as “Christianisation activities” in public schools.
MURIC alleged that certain school principals and district officers have continued to compel Muslim students to attend programmes with overt Christian content, despite earlier warnings by the organisation.
It cited a recent example of an event titled “Mind Builders Conference” organised by the Future African Leaders Foundation on September 26, 2025, where students from several public schools were reportedly directed to attend.
According to the group, investigations revealed that Muslim students from over 20 public schools, including FESTAC Girls Secondary School and Creek High School, were made to participate in what turned out to be a Christian gathering. MURIC described this as deceptive and unconstitutional, accusing the organisers and supervising officials of breaching public trust.
The organisation also raised concerns over reports that some principals prevented Muslim students from registering for Islamic Studies in the 2025 WAEC exams, forcing them to take Christian Religious Studies instead. It noted ongoing harassment of female Muslim students for wearing hijab in schools, despite a Supreme Court ruling upholding their right to do so.
Dr Ademola urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene immediately by directing Tutor Generals and Permanent Secretaries across all education districts to desist from such practices. He also called on Muslim parents, teachers, and students to remain law-abiding but vigilant, reporting any further incidents of religious discrimination to appropriate authorities.
“MURIC will continue to monitor developments and ensure that Muslim children in Lagos public schools are not subjected to religious intimidation or coerced into practices that violate their faith,” the statement added.
