University management responds to “religious ban” allegations

fuad lawal

January 23, 2017 9:29 AM

News has been spreading that the University is restricting religious freedom on campus.

The Management of the Umar Musa Yar’adu University has responded to a memo circulating which shows that the school management restricts non-muslim religious activity.

A memo circulated over the weekend, showing that the management of the school is restricting non-muslim religious activity in the school.

The memo was sent by the acting Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Sulaiman Kankara to all student clubs and associations in the school.

It read partly: “The Muslim Students Society of Nigeria is the only religious association allowed to operate in the university.”

Part of the 17th of January internal memo also reads:

“All tribal and local government associations are prohibited by the university.”

Following this, the management of the University has called this memo

In a Facebook post on the school’s official page, they have called it erroneous. The school’s registrar, Fatima S. Kaita reads;

“The attention of the Management of Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina has been drawn to the circulation of the contents of an erroneous internal memo addressed to all its Students signed by the Ag. Dean, Student Affairs.” Reaffirming religious freedom, she said.

Is this new?

Nigerian schools have a history of religious intolerance, from private universities and schools banning all form of religious activity that doesn't align to theirs, among other things.

In 2014 for example, the Rivers State University of Science, soldiers were deployed to demolish the place where Muslim students gather for religious activities, people were harassed and injured.

A student who was recording the demolition had his phone destroyed and got beat up.

What needs to be done?

Authorities in Nigerian schools need to understand the importance and sanctity of the law over person sentiments and prejudice.

The Nigerian constitution already makes provision for the freedom of religion and association.

Perhaps, we need to see more action from the government to enforce and implement to foster unity and singularity of purpose.

fuad lawal