A significant legal breakthrough has taken place concerning the rights of female Muslim students. The Oyo State High Court has declared that muslim female students, who attend the International School at the University of Ibadan (UI), are entitled to wear hijabs as part of their school uniforms.
This ruling was delivered by Justice Moshood Ishola, who underscored that the right to practice one’s religion is a fundamental aspect of the Nigerian constitution. In delivering his judgment on Wednesday, May 22, Justice Ishola noted that his decision was influenced by previous rulings from the Supreme Court, which have consistently upheld the right to religious expression.
The case that led to this landmark judgment has a long history. It began in November 2018 when eight female Muslim students were sent out of the International School Ibadan for wearing hijabs. This action prompted their parents, spearheaded by Alhaji Abdul Rahman Balogun, to file a lawsuit against the school authorities. The legal battle spanned six years, filled with numerous court appearances and legal arguments, before finally culminating in the court’s decision in favor of the Muslim students on May 22, 2024.
In the aftermath of the judgment, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) reacted with significant praise. Professor Ishaq Akintola, the director of MURIC, described the court’s ruling as both profound and intellectually rigorous. He emphasized that this judgment is historically significant and has the potential to bring about substantial change. In his statement, Professor Akintola remarked, “This is a monumental judgement coming from Ibadan, the heart of Yorubaland. It is a game changer. It is our hope that our Christian neighbors, overzealous civil servants, and recalcitrant teachers will respect this judgement.”
He further expressed that this ruling should mark the end of discriminatory practices against Muslim students who choose to wear hijabs. According to him, the judgment serves as a clear message to those who have previously harbored religious intolerance, including certain school teachers and government officials. “It is no longer business as usual for religious fanatics among school teachers, conscienceless government officials, and Muslim haters,” he added.
This court ruling is expected to have far-reaching implications, not only for the International School at the University of Ibadan but also for other educational institutions across Nigeria. It underscores the importance of upholding constitutional rights and sets a precedent for future cases involving religious freedom in the country.
Victoria Ibiama
