The Amir of the Muslim Corpers’ Association of Nigeria, MCAN, Ogun State chapter, has raised concerns over the decision of the officials of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to force Muslim men to shave their beard before they can be admitted to the NYSC camp in the state.

Mallam Sirajudeen AbdulAzeez who is the head of the Muslim Corp members in Ogun State, said in a Facebook post, as seen by Integrity News, that some Muslim men were restricted from the camp because of their beard.

He said, “Salam Aleikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhu. I am The Present AMEER Of MCAN Ogun State. We are At the NYSC Camp Sagamu. They Are Forcing Muslim brothers to cut their beard. If they fail to do So they won’t allow them to enter until they do so. Please We Need your Assistance.”

All efforts to reach out to the Amir and officials of the NYSC failed to yield positive results as of the time of this report by Integrity News.

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Keeping a beard for Muslims is from the recommended tradition of the religion and the association has pledged to do all within its means to prevent the violation of rights from happening.

MCAN was inaugurated during 1978/1979 service year. The association has its National Headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja and branches all over the 36 states of the Federation including the FCT.

The Association of Muslim corpers was registered under the Corporate Affairs Commission of Nigeria in 1994.

The membership of the Association is open to all serving Muslim corps members in the Federation and the FCT. All serving Muslim corps members constitute MCAN upon registration with MCAN at their arrival on the various NYSC Orientation Camps.

Among the objectives of the association are; To serve as coordinating body and a forum in the exchange of ideas between Muslim corps members in all parts of the federation, to fight and protect the legitimate interest and rights of all Muslim Youth Corps members in the country and promote better understanding of Islam among Muslim corps members, students and rest of the populace with a view to having a more dedicated and unified ummah among others.