The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has accused the management of NIFOR Academy Secondary School in Benin City, Edo State, of religious persecution after a female Muslim student was allegedly prevented from registering for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) examination for weariMuslim Rights Concernng a hijab.
In a statement issued by the Benin City Coordinator of MURIC, Soughie Idris Dirisu, the group alleged that the student was denied biometric capturing required for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination because she refused to remove her hijab.
According to Dirisu, the student, whose name was withheld, was scheduled to be captured as part of the registration process for the upcoming examination but was allegedly barred by the school authorities for wearing the Islamic head covering.
“MURIC is appalled by this illegal, unconstitutional and Islamophobic stance of the NIFOR Academy school authority,” the statement said. “Blinded by its hate for Islam, the school refused to acknowledge the constitutional provisions that guarantee freedom of religion and practice, including the choice to wear or not to wear hijab.”
The organisation described the hijab as an important religious identity for Muslim women, stating that it represents dignity and modesty in Islam.
“We affirm that wearing hijab is the most dignifying aspect of our religion and it cannot be taken away from us because it is our right,” the statement added.
MURIC therefore called on the school management and WAEC authorities in Edo State to ensure that all female Muslim candidates are allowed to register for the WASSCE without discrimination based on their religious attire.
READ ALSO: Tinubu Approves Posting of Ambassadors, Assigns Jimoh Ibrahim as Nigeria’s UN Representative
Reps Committee Assures Improved Funding for NiDCOM
The group warned that it would take “all necessary legitimate steps” against the school authorities and even WAEC if any Muslim candidate is denied registration due to wearing the hijab.
MURIC further described religious persecution as a serious offence, urging authorities to address alleged cases of discrimination against Muslim students in parts of southern Nigeria.
About The Author
