The League of Imams and Alfas in Ekiti State has raised alarm over the alleged denial of hijab by Muslim female students in public schools and the reported imposition of Christian Religious Knowledge, CRK, on Muslim students who registered for Islamic Religious Knowledge, IRK.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Media Officer-1 of the League, Imam Yusuf T. Akeusola, after its monthly meeting held at the Central Mosque, Iyin-Ekiti, on Thursday, September 24, 2026.
According to the statement, the concern was part of reports presented by representatives from the 16 Local Government Areas of the state. Some Imams who teach in public schools and other stakeholders alleged that the practice has persisted for years, particularly among Junior Secondary School students.
The meeting was told that Muslim students were allegedly compelled to take CRK in state-conducted examinations despite registering for IRK, a situation they said does not occur in national examinations conducted by WAEC and NECO.
It was also reported that the Education Committee of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Ekiti State, headed by Professor Sulaimon Kamaldeen, alongside other concerned persons, had previously petitioned the State Ministry of Education over the matter, but without what they considered an adequate response.
Representatives at the meeting were said to have presented facts and evidence to support the claims, including cases of restrictions on the use of hijab in some public schools.
Reacting, the Grand Imam of Ekiti State and President-General, League of Imams and Alfas for South-West, Edo and Delta States, Fadheelat Sheikh Dr. Jamiu Kewulere Bello, condemned the development, warning that it could affect the future of Muslim students and undermine the religious tolerance Ekiti is known for.
Sheikh Kewulere noted that Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji has demonstrated commitment to religious harmony and may not be aware of the alleged incidents. He subsequently inaugurated a committee to investigate the reports and submit its findings for appropriate action.
The Grand Imam also briefed members on activities since the last meeting, including engagements with heads of tertiary institutions in the state and efforts towards the actualisation of the proposed Islamic Centre.
The meeting, hosted by Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, was attended by Imams and Alfas from the 16 LGAs and other Muslim stakeholders. The Chief Imam of Iyin-Ekiti, Alhaji Hussein Sanusi, who spoke on behalf of the host, commended the unity and cordial relationship among communities in the area, irrespective of ethnic differences.
Also speaking, a stakeholder and Balogun Musulumi of Irepodun/Ifelodun, retired Major Tajudeen Awe, lauded the League’s activities and praised Sheikh Kewulere’s leadership, pledging support for the proposed Islamic Centre.
The meeting featured special prayers for peace and good governance in Ekiti State, the forthcoming inauguration of the governor’s second term, security across the country and for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The next meeting of the League is scheduled for the last Thursday in November at the Central Mosque, Ire-Ekiti, in Oye Local Government Area.