HURMA petitions Ogun over religious discrimination in teachers’ recruitment

By Adebowale Johnson

The Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURMA) Global Resource Initiative has petitioned Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, over alleged religious discrimination and denial of employment against Mrs Olowosebioba Bukolat during the Ogun State teachers’ recruitment exercise.

Also petitioned are the State House of Assembly and the Commissioner for Education.

The petition, submitted by HURMA Global Resource Initiative, followed complaints reportedly received from Muslim groups, civil society organisations and concerned Nigerians within and outside the state.

In a letter signed by HURMA’s Executive Director, Buna Olaitan Isiak, the organisation stated that Olowosebioba Bukolat participated in the teachers’ recruitment exercise conducted by the Ogun State Ministry of Education and allegedly scored above 70 per cent in the qualifying examination.

According to the petition, she was shortlisted among successful candidates qualified for employment but was allegedly denied issuance of her employment letter despite meeting the required standards.

The organisation stated that the affected applicant reportedly cooperated with female officials for identification whenever necessary, thereby complying with verification requirements without violating security or administrative procedures.

The petition, titled: “Petition for Justice and Disciplinary Action Over Alleged Religious Discrimination, Gender Discrimination, Violation of Right to Religious Identity, and Islamophobic Treatment Against Mrs Olowosebioba Iyalode Bukolat During Ogun State Teachers’ Recruitment Exercise,” noted that several formal complaints had earlier been submitted through appropriate channels within the Ministry of Education but allegedly received no satisfactory response.

HURMA argued that the allegations raise serious constitutional and administrative concerns, including religious discrimination, gender-based discrimination, violation of freedom of religion, denial of equal employment opportunity, unfair administrative treatment and alleged Islamophobic profiling.

The organisation emphasised that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, including the freedom to practise and manifest religious beliefs without intimidation, exclusion or discrimination.

According to the petition, the matter has generated growing concern among Muslim communities and civil society groups, with fears that failure to address the issue could discourage qualified Muslim women from participating in future public service opportunities because of their religious appearance or dressing.

HURMA maintained that public institutions must remain inclusive and uphold the constitutional rights of all citizens regardless of faith, gender or religious identity.

The organisation therefore called for an immediate investigation into the alleged denial of employment to Mrs Olowosebioba Iyalode Bukolat; immediate issuance of her employment letter and restoration of all rights and privileges due to her if the allegations are confirmed; appropriate disciplinary action against any official found culpable of religious discrimination or abuse of office; clear administrative guidelines to prevent discrimination based on religion, gender or lawful religious appearance in future recruitment exercises; and assurance that Ogun State’s education sector remains inclusive and respectful of lawful religious diversity.

HURMA expressed confidence that the matter would receive urgent attention in the interest of justice, peaceful coexistence and public confidence in government institutions.