The Muslim Parents Forum of the International School, Ibadan (ISI) has expressed dissatisfaction with the Friday judgment of the Appeal Court, Ibadan, which overturned the judgment of the Oyo State High Court which had earlier permitted female Muslim students to wear hijab with the official uniform of the school, indicating that it will appeal the judgment at the Supreme Court.
In a split decision of two to one delivered on Friday, the Appellate Court had held that the school’s policy prohibiting the use of hijab with its approved uniform remains valid and enforceable, ruling that the school is not a public one that receives subvention, but a private school.
Against some eleven students’ claim that their fundamental right and constitutional rights to freedom of religion and freedom from discrimination were denied them, Justice Biobele Georgewill, with Justice K.I. Amadi concurring held that the students voluntarily accepted the school’s rules and regulations, including its prescribed dress code, upon admission, and were therefore bound by those conditions.
The female Muslim students had in 2018 with the support of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), instituted the action and in his judgment in May 2024, Justice Moshood Ishola of the Oyo State High Court (Ibadan Division) upheld the fundamental right of the female Muslim students to wear the hijab.
Dissatisfied, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Chairman, ISI Muslim Parents Forum (ISIMPF) in a release expressed shock and disappointment at the judgment disclosing that the Forum will take the matter up at the highest Court in the land.
He said that the Incorporated Trustees of Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) “have today, 3rd July, 2026, filed and served a Notice of Appeal together with a Motion for Stay of Execution/Injunction pending appeal of the judgment.
“The legal implication is that the International School, University of Ibadan, which we believe is a law abiding educational institution, cannot lawfully prevent Muslim students from wearing the hijab pending the hearing and determination of the Motion for Stay of Execution/Injunction pending appeal”.
Balogun urged members of the public, parents, and affected students to remain calm while the legal process runs its course.
