Jumu’ah Period Is Not for Official Programmes, MURIC Tells JUTH
Rights organisation urges institutions nationwide to avoid scheduling lectures, meetings and examinations during Friday congregational prayers.
By Abdullahi Yusuf
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has criticised plans by the Department of Pharmacy at Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) to hold a lecture during the Friday congregational prayer period, describing the scheduling as provocative and calling for its immediate review.
The organisation said an internal memorandum allegedly issued by the department scheduled a lecture on Lassa fever for Friday, 26 June 2026, between 12 noon and 2 p.m, a period that coincides with Jumu’ah prayers observed weekly by Muslims across Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Monday, MURIC’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, argued that the timing of the proposed lecture could prevent Muslim staff and students from participating in a key religious obligation and warned that such actions could undermine efforts towards peaceful coexistence in public institutions.
According to the group, the development raises questions about whether there was a communication gap between the hospital management and the Department of Pharmacy, or whether the department acted independently in fixing the programme.
MURIC said universities and public institutions have a responsibility to uphold principles of fairness, equality and religious accommodation, particularly in a multi-faith society such as Nigeria.
“We regard the timing of the proposed lecture as an overreach,” the statement said. “Holding a programme in official capacity during Jumu’ah prayer is not only provocative but a stumbling block in the path to peaceful coexistence.”
The organisation further argued that repeated instances of official activities being fixed during Friday prayer periods have become a source of concern among Muslim workers and students, alleging that similar practices occur in some public institutions across the country.
Professor Akintola maintained that religious rights protected under Nigeria’s Constitution should be respected by all government agencies and educational institutions. He cited Section 38 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
The group warned that persistent disregard for religious sensitivities could fuel tensions and erode confidence in public institutions.
MURIC also extended its appeal beyond JUTH and the University of Jos, calling on ministries, agencies, parastatals and educational institutions nationwide to avoid scheduling meetings, examinations, workshops, seminars, conferences and other official engagements during Jumu’ah prayer periods.
The organisation drew a comparison with Christian worship, arguing that official activities fixed during church services on Sunday mornings would likely attract public criticism and resistance.
“How would Christians feel if official assignments were routinely fixed for 10 a.m. on Sundays?” the statement asked, adding that mutual respect remains essential for maintaining harmony in a diverse society.
MURIC said it was considering legal action against any institution that repeatedly ignores what it described as the constitutional rights of Muslim workers and students.
The group also appealed directly to the management of Jos University Teaching Hospital, urging the Provost and senior administrators to intervene and ensure that the proposed lecture is rescheduled to a more suitable time.
While stressing that it had no objection to the lecture itself or its public health objectives, MURIC argued that the controversy stemmed solely from the timing chosen by organisers.
“A good idea is facing criticism due to the defective channel adopted by the organisers,” the statement concluded.
Neither Jos University Teaching Hospital nor the University of Jos had publicly responded to the concerns raised by MURIC at the time of reporting.
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