An upcoming “Peace and Unity” convention by 1Ummah NG, scheduled for November in Lagos and Abuja, has sparked debate following the invitation of Saudi-based Islamic preacher Sheikh Assim Al-Hakeem.
The controversy centers on the cancellation of a related event at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), where members of the Muslim Students Society (MSSN) say they were barred from using the campus mosque because the invited speakers are “international.”
According to students, the UNILAG Muslim Council (UMC), led by the Chief Imam, rejected their booking despite prior approval, arguing that foreign scholars should not be hosted on campus. The students have strongly denied any wrongdoing, accusing the UMC of gatekeeping and attempting to suppress their activities.
Further tension reportedly occurred at the University of Lagos College of Medicine, where student members of the MSSN claim they faced disciplinary actions for affiliating with the national society’s Lagos branch. They allege the UMC is using its influence to stifle their religious expression.
On social media, some community members defended the event, saying criticism of the visit comes from those who oppose international voices in Nigerian Islam. Others expressed concern, with one user warning, “Very soon they will start recruiting boys and setting up training camps for jihad.”
Sheikh Al-Hakeem, a known Salafi preacher, was born in Saudi Arabia to Indonesian parents and has authored influential works while hosting religious programs such as Ask Huda and Umdatul Ahkaam. His conservative views on Islamic law have stirred debate in various quarters.
