Appeal Court Upholds Hijab Ban at University of Ibadan International School

The Court of Appeal in Ibadan has overturned a previous High Court ruling that allowed Muslim students at the International School, University of Ibadan (ISI), Oyo State, to wear the hijab as part of the school's uniform.

In a split judgment of two to one delivered on Friday, the appellate court ruled that ISI is a private school and therefore has the legal right to enforce its dress code. The court held that the Supreme Court's earlier decision permitting the use of hijab in public schools does not apply to privately owned schools.

The case originated after 11 students, backed by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), challenged the school's ban on the hijab. The High Court had ruled in their favour, declaring the restriction a violation of their constitutional rights to freedom of religion and protection from discrimination.

However, the school authorities appealed the decision. Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Biobele Georgewill, with Justice K. I. Amadi concurring, ruled that the students had voluntarily agreed to abide by the school's rules, including its dress code, when they enrolled.

Justice Georgewill noted that while the Supreme Court has affirmed the right to wear the hijab in public schools, it has not extended that ruling to private institutions.

Justice Fadawu Umar dissented, maintaining that the appeal lacked merit and that the High Court's judgment should have been upheld.

Following the ruling, the management of the International School announced that its dress code would be strictly enforced from Monday, July 6, 2026. The school directed that no student would be permitted to wear a hijab or headscarf with the official school uniform and urged parents and guardians to ensure compliance with the directive.

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