In a recent press release, the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB) Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olusola Kehinde, has come under fire for allegedly targeting Muslim students who wear veils. Critics argue that his actions undermine religious diversity and have called for his removal from office.
The controversy revolves around the university’s longstanding ban on the use of veils by Muslim women on campus. FUNAAB administration has labeled the veil as indecent dressing and even erected billboards depicting veiled women as dressed inappropriately. The university claims security reasons as the basis for the ban, despite allowing veils within recognized limits in other parts of the country with security challenges, where female security personnel are employed for screening.
The Chief Security Officer of FUNAAB drew further criticism when he stated that the university lacked female security personnel to screen Muslim women in veils, implying that enforcing the ban was impractical. Critics argue that this statement reflects a lack of gender sensitivity in the university’s employment practices.
The press release also highlights allegations that Prof. Kehinde, along with the Dean of Students Affairs, Prof. F. I Adeosun, has been actively working to deny freedom of religion at FUNAAB. They are accused of disregarding multiple court judgments that ruled against the university’s authority to ban face veils on campus. According to the press release, two students were allegedly expelled from an examination hall, while another was denied entry to the university premises, resulting in their inability to write their scheduled exams.
The Director-General of THURIST-Nigeria, Sulaymon A. Tadese ESQ, condemned the actions of Prof. Kehinde and Prof. Adeosun, referring to their conduct as insubordination, rascality, and contempt against the law and court rulings. Tadese called on the Federal Ministry of Education, the Department of State Security Service, and other law enforcement agencies to take action against the Vice Chancellor and the Dean of Students Affairs to preserve religious tolerance, promote a violence-free Nigeria, and maintain national unity.
As the situation continues to unfold, concerned stakeholders await the response of relevant authorities to address the allegations made against the FUNAAB Vice Chancellor and the Dean of Students Affairs.