By Fatima Saka
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called on state governments to change the names of schools taken over from religious organisations, arguing that retaining their former identities fuels ownership disputes and religious tension.
In a statement issued on Monday, January 26, 2026, and signed by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, the Islamic human rights group said renaming such schools to reflect public ownership would curb what it described as “influence and entitlement posturing” by former proprietors.
MURIC’s position follows the recent controversy surrounding Baptist Primary School, Idikan, Ibadan, in Oyo State, which was reportedly demolished by the Baptist Mission in December 2026, despite protests by parents and residents. The group noted that the Baptist Mission justified its action by claiming original ownership of the school before it was taken over by the government in 1975.
According to Professor Akintola, the recurring disputes over ownership and control of government-run schools formerly owned by religious bodies pose a risk of religious crisis. He argued that the continued use of religious names creates room for former owners to exert undue influence over institutions that are now fully funded and maintained by the government.
MURIC maintained that a permanent solution lies in a complete and symbolic takeover through renaming, stressing that such a move would reduce tension in religious circles and weaken the potential for religious persecution within the education sector.
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The group further urged state governments to demonstrate political will by taking what it described as the “final step” in the takeover process, noting that former owners had been compensated and that government resources had since been invested in renovations and infrastructure.
MURIC warned that allowing religious organisations to continue laying claim to schools already taken over and funded by the state amounts to fraud, insisting that incidents like the Idikan demolition could be avoided if governments decisively assert public ownership.
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