Court Overturns Ruling Allowing Hijab at UI International School

The single sharpest fact in one or two punchy sentences. Who did what, where, when, and why it matters.

Muslim students at the University of Ibadan may no longer wear hijab as part of their school uniform, after the Court of Appeal overturned a previous ruling. According to the court's decision, the Supreme Court's permission to wear hijab only applies to public schools, not private institutions like the International School, University of Ibadan.

The case began in 2018, when 11 students from the International School, University of Ibadan, challenged the school's ban on hijab. The school argued that its dress code policy prohibits the wearing of hijab, while the students claimed that this restriction violates their constitutional rights to freedom of religion and freedom from discrimination.

Delivering the lead majority judgment, Justice Biobele Georgewill stated: 'ISI is a private school, not a public institution, thereby overturning the earlier judgment on the matter.' He added that 'the students had waived that right by signing an undertaking to obey ISI's rules and regulations, including its dress code.'

The students were supported by the Muslim Rights Concern in their lawsuit. The Court of Appeal's decision sets aside the earlier judgment delivered by Justice Moshood Ishola of the Oyo State High Court.

Justice Fadawu Umar dissented from the majority decision, arguing that the appeal lacked merit and should be dismissed. The dispute over the use of hijab at the International School, University of Ibadan, has been ongoing since 2018. In 2022, the Oyo State High Court ruled in favor of the students, but the school authorities appealed the decision.

As a result of the latest ruling, Muslim students at the International School, University of Ibadan, may no longer wear hijab as part of their school uniform.

### Key Facts

  • The Court of Appeal overturned a ruling that allowed Muslim students to wear hijab at the International School, University of Ibadan.
  • The Supreme Court's permission to wear hijab only applies to public schools, not private institutions.
  • The students had waived their right to wear hijab by signing an undertaking to obey the school's rules and regulations.
  • Justice Biobele Georgewill delivered the lead majority judgment, while Justice Fadawu Umar dissented from the majority decision.
  • The dispute over the use of hijab at the International School, University of Ibadan, dates back to 2018.

### What happens next?

The decision of the Court of Appeal may have significant implications for Muslim students at the International School, University of Ibadan. The students may choose to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court or seek alternative solutions to wear hijab as part of their school uniform.