The Muslim Students' Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Rivers State Area Unit, has condemned the decision of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) Governing Council restricting the use of the university's central mosque to members of the institution's Muslim community.

The reaction followed a letter dated June 29, 2026, signed by the university's Registrar, Mrs. Gloria O. Chindah, conveying the Governing Council's decision taken at its 192nd meeting held on April 17, 2026. 

The letter directed that the University Mosque "should be for the use of the Muslim Community in the University only."

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the MSSN described the directive as a disturbing development that had generated widespread concern among Muslims within and outside the university community.

The association noted that the mosque had, for decades, served students, staff, alumni, visiting scholars, travellers and peaceful Muslim residents without disrupting the university's academic activities.

According to the statement, "The University Mosque has remained a centre of learning, moral instruction, community service, and peaceful coexistence. It has contributed significantly to the University's engagement with the wider society and has reflected the long-standing 'town and gown' relationship that Nigerian universities proudly promote."

The MSSN argued that excluding members of the public from the mosque could raise concerns about fairness and equal treatment if similar restrictions were not imposed on other religious facilities within the institution.

It further stated that, "If this policy is maintained while similar restrictions are not imposed on other religious facilities within the University, it raises legitimate concerns about equal treatment, institutional fairness, and religious inclusion."

While acknowledging the university's responsibility to maintain security on campus, the group maintained that security measures should be implemented in a fair, proportionate and non-discriminatory manner.

The association called on the university's Governing Council to suspend and review the policy, urging the Vice-Chancellor to engage the Muslim community through dialogue and consultation.

It also appealed to civil society organisations, religious leaders, alumni and relevant human rights bodies to encourage a peaceful resolution of the matter.

The MSSN urged members of the Muslim community to remain calm and law-abiding while efforts are made to seek a review of the decision.