The Court of Appeal in Ibadan has reversed a previous High Court order that permitted female Muslim students at the University of Ibadan International School (ISI) to wear hijabs alongside their uniforms. This Friday ruling stems from an appeal launched by the school administration against a decision reached by the Oyo State High Court on May 22, 2024.
The underlying legal conflict originated when 11 Muslim female students initiated a lawsuit, arguing that the institution infringed upon their fundamental rights by prohibiting the hijab as part of their daily attire. In a 2–1 majority vote, the appellate court decided in favor of the school.
Justice Biobele Georgewill, who provided the lead opinion with support from Justice K.I. Amadi, clarified that the University of Ibadan International School operates as a private entity and remains distinct from public institutions subject to prior Supreme Court precedents. Justice Georgewill noted that the Supreme Court ruling regarding hijab usage specifically concerned public schools in Lagos, not private institutions. He emphasized that students who enroll in the school agree to abide by established dress codes. Consequently, the lower court’s ruling was dismissed.
Conversely, Justice Fadawu Umar provided a dissenting opinion. He argued that the appeal lacked merit and expressed his support for the initial High Court ruling that protected the students’ right to wear the hijab at the facility.
