Court grants Muslim students right to wear hijab in UI school

In a landmark ruling, the Oyo State High Court has affirmed the right of female Muslim students at the University of Ibadan International School (ISI) to wear hijabs over their school uniforms. Justice Moshood Ishola delivered the groundbreaking judgment on Wednesday, marking a significant triumph for religious freedom in Nigeria.

The controversy ignited in November 2018 when ISI, a secondary school owned by the prestigious University of Ibadan, prohibited female Muslim students from wearing hijabs. This led to a legal battle spearheaded by the students and their parents, challenging the school’s policy.

The plaintiffs, including Faridah Akerele, Aaliyah Dopesi, Akhifah Dokpesi, and several other students, stood firm on their right to religious expression. Their legal journey culminated in this decisive victory, reinforcing the constitutional guarantees of religious freedom and association.

Justice Ishola’s ruling emphasized that ISI, as a public institution, must respect the fundamental human rights of its students. Citing previous Supreme Court judgments and the Nigerian Constitution, Ishola declared, “The school, staff, or its agents have no right to punish students for using hijab on the school premises or outside the school premises.”

This verdict not only impacts ISI but sets a precedent for similar cases nationwide, underscoring that fundamental human rights are inalienable and cannot be overridden by institutional policies.

The decision has been hailed as a victory for justice and equality, affirming that religious freedoms are protected under Nigerian law. This ruling is a pivotal moment for the University of Ibadan and educational institutions across the country, ensuring that they uphold the rights and dignity of all students.