The Lagos State Chapter of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has raised alarm over what it described as the “Christianisation” of Muslim students in Lagos public schools through religious programmes disguised as educational empowerment initiatives.
In a strongly worded statement released on Monday and signed by its Chairman, Dr. Busari Muhammad Jamiu Ademola, MURIC accused officials in various Lagos Education Districts of collaborating with Christian organisations to coerce Muslim students into participating in Christian activities.
“It is with heavy hearts and a sense of urgency that we send this unequivocal caution to Lagos Education officials through the Lagos State Government,” Dr. Ademola said. “Our children are being lured into Christian programmes disguised as educational empowerment, capacity-building, and leadership conferences.”
MURIC cited a recent incident involving a programme tagged “Mind Builders Conference” organised by the Future African Leaders Foundation and held on September 26, 2025, at Alakija, Lagos. According to MURIC, the event, although packaged as a youth empowerment initiative, was actually a Christian religious programme.
“A directive purportedly signed by Mr M.O. Bankole on behalf of the Tutor General/Permanent Secretary of Education District V compelled 28 schools, including FESTAC Senior and Junior Girls Secondary Schools, to release students to attend the programme,” the statement revealed. “Our investigation confirmed the programme had explicit Christian content, and Muslim students were asked to accept Jesus.”
The Islamic rights group also expressed concern over continued harassment of female Muslim students wearing hijab in public schools, despite the Supreme Court’s 2022 ruling affirmed their rights to do so. Additionally, MURIC alleged that some school principals denied Muslim students the opportunity to register for Islamic Religious Studies (IRS) during the 2025 WAEC exams, instead forcing them to enroll in Christian Religious Studies (CRS).
“One of the principals involved in this was reportedly promoted to the position of Tutor General/Permanent Secretary,” Dr. Ademola said.
MURIC described the incidents as a breach of trust, unethical conduct, and a violation of Section 38(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the freedom of religion. The group called on the Lagos State Governor to immediately investigate and put an end to the alleged religious bias within the state’s education system.
“We urge the Governor to direct all Tutor Generals and their officers across the six education districts to desist from these unconstitutional ventures,” the statement added. “Muslim children are not enrolled in public schools to be intimidated or converted.”
Dr. Ademola called on Muslim parents, teachers, and students to remain law-abiding and vigilant while urging them to report any further cases of religious discrimination.
“Muslim children have constitutional rights. MURIC is watching. We will not allow these corruptible elements to succeed. We are all Lagosians and Nigerians live and let us live.”
