Court Upholds Muslim Students’ Right To Wear Hijab At International School, Ibadan

An Oyo State High Court, Ibadan has ruled that female Muslim students of the International School, University of Ibadan have the right to wear hijab on top of their school uniform.

Justice Moshood Ishola said the right to practise religion is enshrined in the constitution of Nigeria.

Delivering judgment in the suit on Wednesday, the judge said his decision was hinged on previous Supreme Court judgments.

Some Muslim students of the school, backed by their parents, filed the suit against the school management in 2018.

They insisted that they enjoyed the fundamental human right to wear hijab on their school uniform.

Also joined in the suit were some principal officers of the school.

The plaintiffs included Faridah Akerele, Aaliyah Dopesi, Akhifah Dokpesi, Raheemah Akinlusi, Imam Akinoso, Hamdallah Olosunde, Aliyyah Adebayo, Moriddiyah Yekinni, Ikhlas Badiru, Mahmuda Babarinde, and Fareedah Moshood.

The judge said the school, being a public institution, should allow female Muslim students the right to wear hijab.

He also noted in addition to the constitutional provisions, some charters grant freedom of religion and association.

The judge said: “The school, staff, or its agents have no right to punish students for using hijab on the school premises or outside the school premises.

“Fundamental human rights are inalienable rights and cannot be taken, even by the powerful government. The school is a public institution.”