* Says ban threatens Muslim students’ right to daily prayers
The crisis rocking Olubi Memorial Grammar School, Kudeti, Ibadan, has taken a sharper dimension as the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Oyo State Area Unit intensified its advocacy over what it describes as “systematic religious suppression” against Muslim students and staff.
Muslim News gathered that at the centre of the controversy is the directive by school authorities, reportedly backed by the Oyo State Government, suspending all religious activities within the school premises, barely a week after eight members of staff were transferred under circumstances many stakeholders consider suspicious.
Ban sparks concern over students’ fundamental rights
The directive, conveyed through the Vice Principal (Administration), Mr. Sunday Julius Oluwatoyin, instructed staff and students to halt every form of religious gathering until further notice.
It warned that any violation would attract sanctions while urging staff to focus strictly on academic responsibilities.
However, MSSN argues that the sweeping ban disproportionately affects Muslim students whose daily acts of worship, particularly obligatory prayers, cannot be postponed or relocated without hardship.
The society insists that the policy risks undermining constitutionally guaranteed religious freedom and could foster exclusion rather than the peaceful coexistence the authorities claim to pursue.
Transfers deepen suspicion of targeted action
Fueling the tension is the earlier transfer of eight teachers by the Oyo State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) Ibadan Zone 1, a decision many within the school community link to ongoing agitation for Muslim students’ rights.
According to findings cited by MSSN, five of the affected teachers were Muslims who had supported students’ calls for access to prayer spaces, fair participation in school activities, and protection from compulsory Christian programmes.
Three Christian staff members were also moved, reportedly to create administrative balance.
School authorities were alleged to have justified the action by referencing the institution’s historical connection to the Anglican Communion and its naming after Rev. Olubi, a position MSSN strongly rejects.
The society maintains that the school began as Urban Day School before its renaming in 1985 and therefore remains a public institution bound by Nigeria’s secular education policy.
MSSN petitions authorities, seeks disciplinary action
In a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Mallam Abdulrahmen Elegbede, a copy received by Muslim News, the students’ body accused the school leadership of several acts.
The society alleged that Muslim students were being prevented from observing their daily prayers. They were also denied opportunities to lead the school assembly.
In addition, students were reportedly compelled to participate in Christian religious activities, such as carol services.
MSSN further claimed that the school leadership created an atmosphere of intimidation for both Muslim staff and students.
Consequently, the group submitted a formal petition to TESCOM demanding investigation and disciplinary action against the school principal, Pastor Adegbola; TESCOM zonal head Mr. Bamidele Eyitayo; and two vice principals over alleged religious discrimination and administrative misconduct.
MSSN also called for the immediate reversal of the transfer of the five Muslim teachers, describing the move as punitive and capable of discouraging advocacy for students’ welfare.
Leadership change at TESCOM raises fresh questions
Amid the mounting controversy, TESCOM headquarters replaced Mr. Eyitayo as Head of Zone for Ibadan Zone 1, deploying Mrs. Bayioku to the position on February 18, 2026.
While a TESCOM supervisor, Dr. Modinat Rufai, had earlier dismissed claims of victimisation and suggested the issue had been resolved, the leadership reshuffle has generated mixed reactions.
Some observers view it as a quiet administrative intervention aimed at calming tensions, while MSSN supporters argue that the absence of a transparent investigation leaves critical questions unanswered.
MSSN frames dispute as broader struggle for inclusivity
For MSSN, the Olubi Grammar School episode reflects a recurring national concern over balancing religious plurality within public schools.
The society warns that suppressing lawful religious expression could erode trust between students and school authorities, urging the Oyo State Government to adopt dialogue, policy clarity, and respect for diversity as tools for conflict resolution.
It further reaffirmed its readiness to pursue peaceful engagement with education authorities while mobilising legal and civic channels to protect Muslim students’ rights.
* With additional information from Intelregion
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