Make schools taken over by government purely public by changing their names – MURIC

By KEMI KASUMU

Such a change would reduce, if it does not totally eliminate, the influence and entitlement posturing of religious organisations.

‎An Islamic human rights group, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has opined that the names of schools taken over by the government should be changed to names that reflect public ownership.

‎In a statement issued on Monday, 26th January, 2026, the group contended that such a change would reduce, if it does not totally eliminate, the influence and entitlement posturing of religious organisations.

The press release was signed by MURIC’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

‎It reads further, “Baptist Primary School, Idikan, Ibadan in Oyo State was demolished by the Baptist Mission late in December 2026 (https://dailypost.ng/2025/12/31/residents-protest-demolition-of-primary-school-in-ibadan/).

‎”Although the action generated a huge controversy and parents held demonstrations, the Baptist group stuck to its gun. They insisted that the school belonged to them originally before it was taken over by government in 1975.

‎”MURIC sees the need to find a lasting solution to the recurrent controversy on school ownership, influence and ultimate control. The status quo is not immune from religious crisis as former owners continue to claim ownership and wield immense influence. It is our considered opinion that this is not the way to take over schools effectively.

‎”A permanent solution will come when the names of schools taken over by the government are changed to names that reflect public ownership. Such a change would reduce, if it does not totally eliminate, the influence and entitlement posturing of religious organisations. It will also douse tension in religious circles as well as debilitate the capacity for religious persecution in the education sector.

‎”We therefore urge various state governments who are still running and funding schools taken over long ago but which are still bearing nomenclatures of their former owners to summon the political will to take the final step that will ensure total takeover.

‎”It is the only logical line of action if the Idikan episode is to be avoided in future. Afterall those former school owners were all fully compensated and the schools are now being funded by government while renovations and additional infrastructural facilities have been added after the takeover. Former owners who still lay claim to such schools have eaten their cakes. They cannot have it. It amounts to fraud for religious groups to continue to lay claim to such schools.”