Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has accused some education officials in the state of facilitating the "Christianisation" of Muslim students through covert religious proselytisation disguised as educational programmes.
In a statement released on Monday by its Chairman, Dr. Busari Muhammad Jamiu Ademola, the Islamic advocacy group called on the Lagos State Government to caution education officers across the state's six education districts, alleging that Muslim students are being compelled to attend Christian events under the guise of empowerment and capacity-building programmes.
“It is with heavy hearts and a sense of urgency that we send this unequivocal caution to Lagos Education officials... to save our children from Christianisation agendas,” the statement read.
According to MURIC, several Christian-led events have been organised in government schools in recent months with the backing of some Tutor Generals and Permanent Secretaries, who allegedly instruct principals to release students for the programmes.
Citing one such example, the group pointed to a directive allegedly signed by Mr. M.O. Bankole on behalf of the TG/PS of Education District V. The memo directed school principals to send 50 students each to a programme tagged “Mind Builders Conference”, held on September 26, 2025, and organised by the Future African Leaders Foundation, a group MURIC claims is affiliated with Christian evangelism.
“Our investigation revealed that among the 28 public secondary schools compelled to attend... were FESTAC Senior and Junior Girls Secondary Schools, Creek Senior and Junior High Schools, and others,” the statement added.
MURIC further alleged that during the event, Muslim students — some visibly wearing hijabs — were encouraged to “accept Jesus,” an act the group described as a "breach of trust" and "unconstitutional."
The organisation also raised concerns about other forms of alleged religious bias in Lagos public schools, including:
Harassment of Muslim girls for wearing the hijab, despite a Supreme Court judgment affirming their right to do so;
Forced registration of Muslim students for Christian Religious Studies in the 2025 WAEC examinations;
The appointment of principals allegedly involved in these practices to higher offices.
Quoting Section 38(1) of the 1999 Constitution, MURIC insisted that every Nigerian has the right to practice their religion without coercion and urged the Lagos State Government to immediately intervene.
> “What we are witnessing in Lagos public schools is horrendous. It must stop,” Dr. Ademola stated.
While MURIC acknowledged Nigeria’s multi-religious character, it argued that the actions of certain education officials amount to religious bias and undermine peaceful coexistence.
> “Muslim children are not enrolled in public schools to be intimidated and converted to Christianity or any other religion,” the statement read.
The group also called on Muslim parents, teachers, and students to remain law-abiding but vigilant, urging them to report any acts of religious discrimination to the appropriate authorities.
As of the time of this report, the Lagos State Ministry of Education has not issued a public response to MURIC’s allegations.
