Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, has called on University of Jos to halt scheduling of academic programmes during Friday Jummah prayers. Professor Ishaq Akintola, the group's Executive Director, issued the warning in a statement released on Monday.
According to Akintola, the Department of Pharmacy at Jos University Teaching Hospital has scheduled a Lassa fever lecture for Friday, 26th June, 2026 from 12 to 2 pm. He described the timing as provocative and unlawful.
An internal memo allegedly signed by Sitlong Goodness on behalf of the Medical Advisory Committee chairman confirmed the arrangement. Akintola noted that holding official programmes during Jummah prayer violates Nigerian law.
In his words, the schedule represents "a stumbling block in the path to peaceful coexistence" among staff and students. He suggested it signals systematic disregard for the rights of Muslim community members.
MURIC argued that such actions undermine religious tolerance within the institution. Akintola warned that persistent encroachment on the rights of other faiths breeds instability.
He called on both the pharmacy department and the university to reconsider their approach. Religious respect and compliance with the law must guide institutional decisions, he insisted.
Akintola emphasized that the Jummah period should remain protected from academic scheduling. No official activity should interfere with this sacred observance, he added.
University of Jos management has not yet responded to the complaint. Sources within the institution remain unavailable for comment at press time.
MURIC's intervention reflects growing concern about religious accommodation in Nigerian tertiary institutions. Similar complaints have been raised at other universities across the country in recent years.
