Do not alter programs during Jummah prayer, says MURIC to UNIJOS

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has urged the University of Jos to discontinue scheduling programmes during the Friday Jummah prayer period.

The recommendation was issued in a statement signed by MURIC’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, on Monday.

Akintola highlighted that the Department of Pharmacy at Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) has reportedly planned a lecture on Lassa fever for Friday, 26 June 2026, from 12 pm to 2 pm.

He described the timing of the lecture as provocative and illegal, asserting that it poses a barrier to peaceful coexistence.

Akintola urged the institution to review its programme schedule to ensure that the Jumu’ah period is neither encroached upon nor interrupted.

“An internal memo allegedly emanating from the Department of Pharmacy, Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), has reportedly slated a lecture on Lassa fever for Friday, 26 June 2026 by 12 – 2 pm. The memo was signed by Sitlong Goodness on behalf of the chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee (MAC).

We of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) regard the timing of the proposed lecture as an over‑reach. Holding a programme in official capacity during Jumu’ah prayer anywhere in Nigeria is an exercise in illegality. The idea is not only provocative but a stumbling block in the path to peaceful coexistence.

The worst case scenario is more indicting because it presupposes that either the Department of Pharmacy, JUTH or the University of Jos itself (or all the above) are enmeshed in the serial encroachment on Allah‑given fundamental human rights of their Muslim staff and students.

We advise the Department of Pharmacy, JUTH and, by extension the University of Jos to embrace the principles of religious tolerance and respect for the rule of law. Reckless manifestation of impunity regarding the rights of other religious groups is the fastest road to anarchy.”