MAKINDE DIRECTS ALL OYO STATE SCHOOLS TO REINSTATE IRK, HISTORY AFTER MURIC’S CALL

BY:Adedeji Monsurat Adenike

Governor Seyi Makinde has directed all public and private secondary schools in Oyo State to ensure the mandatory teaching of Islamic Religious Knowledge (IRK), Christian Religious Knowledge (CRK), and History, following calls by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC).

In a circular issued by the state’s Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, schools were instructed to comply with the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) curriculum by teaching these subjects, regardless of the school’s status.

The directive follows an appeal by MURIC, which had earlier written to the governor, expressing concerns over the neglect of IRK in public missionary schools. In an open letter dated March 5, 2025, MURIC’s Executive General Secretary, Amb. Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, stated:

“The teaching of IRK is an essential part of the educational curriculum for Muslim students, providing them with a deep understanding of Islamic values and principles. However, I have been made aware that the teaching of IRK has been neglected in public missionary schools in Oyo State.

“Your Excellency, I strongly believe that the revival of IRK education in public missionary schools is crucial for the academic, moral, and spiritual development of Muslim students. It is also essential for promoting religious tolerance, understanding, and social cohesion in our society.

“Furthermore, the Nigerian Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of religion, and the teaching of IRK is an essential part of this right. By reviving IRK education, we can ensure that Muslim students are able to exercise their constitutional right to freedom of religion.”

Read Oyo State Government’s Statement Below:

Circular Letter to:

The PS TESCOM,
The PS/IGE/TGs,
Local Inspector of Education,
Principals of Public Secondary Schools,
Principals of Private Secondary Schools.
COMPLIANCE WITH THE NIGERIAN EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (NERDC) CURRICULUM
This is to inform all Principals of Public and Private Secondary Schools in Oyo State that the teaching of the underlisted subjects is mandatory regardless of the school’s status:

Christian Religious Studies
Islamic Religious Studies
History
In line with the National Council on Education (NCE) directive on the teaching of subjects listed in the Curriculum, administrators are to kindly note and comply.

It is expedient to adhere strictly to the above directive in order to give students the widest scope of choice in their choice of ambition and at the same time maintain peace in our different schools.

Kindly give this circular widest publicity.

Thank you.

Signed
F.A Alamu (Mrs.)
For: Honourable Commissioner