Court of Appeal to Deliver Judgment Friday in UI-ISI Hijab Case

The Court of Appeal, Ibadan Division, will on Friday, July 3, 2026, deliver judgment in the long-running legal dispute over the use of the hijab by Muslim female students of the International School, University of Ibadan (ISI), bringing to a climax a case that has generated widespread public interest and debate over religious rights in Nigeria’s education sector.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Oyo State Chapter, which said all parties to the appeal had been officially notified by the appellate court that judgment would be delivered at 9:00 a.m.

According to the Islamic rights advocacy group, the appeal centres on whether willing Muslim female students of the International School, University of Ibadan, can wear the hijab in school in line with their constitutional right to freedom of religion.

MURIC described the case as one with significant constitutional implications, noting that it touches on the rights of Muslim students to practise their faith freely, including the use of the hijab, as guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

The organisation commended Muslim parents, members of the Muslim community, legal practitioners and supporters who, it said, had remained patient and law-abiding throughout the years of litigation.

It also called on Muslim faithful, parents of the affected students and other interested members of the public to attend Friday’s court sitting in Ibadan to witness the delivery of what it described as a historic judgment.

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While urging supporters to remain peaceful regardless of the outcome, MURIC stressed the need for respect for the rule of law and judicial processes.

“We respectfully call on all concerned Muslim parents, members of the Ummah and lovers of justice to be present at the Court of Appeal, Ibadan Division, on Friday by 9:00 a.m. to witness the delivery of this historic judgment,” the statement said.

The group further appealed to those attending the proceedings to conduct themselves with decorum and avoid any actions capable of undermining public peace.

Reaffirming its commitment to the protection of religious freedoms, MURIC said it would continue to pursue the rights of Nigerian Muslims through lawful and constitutional means.

The dispute over the use of the hijab at the International School, University of Ibadan, dates back several years after some Muslim students and their parents challenged the school’s policy restricting the wearing of hijabs by female students.

The disagreement eventually resulted in legal proceedings, with the parties seeking judicial interpretation of the constitutional provisions on freedom of religion and the powers of educational institutions to regulate school dress codes.

The case has remained one of the country’s most closely watched legal battles involving the intersection of education, religious freedom and constitutional rights, with the Court of Appeal’s decision expected to clarify the legal position on the use of religious attire in public educational institutions.

The judgment is also expected to have implications beyond the University of Ibadan’s International School, as it could influence future policies and legal disputes involving religious expression in schools across Nigeria.

If the Court of Appeal delivers its judgment on Friday, I can also help produce a fast-breaking news report and a detailed follow-up analysis suitable for print and online publication.

Court of Appeal to Deliver Judgment Friday in UI-ISI Hijab Case

Nigerians Divided Over FG’s Plan to Replace NYSC Khaki Uniform With Adire

The Federal Government’s proposal to replace the iconic National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) khaki uniform with locally produced Adire fabric has sparked widespread debate, with Nigerians expressing both support and criticism over what could become one of the most significant visual changes in the scheme’s 53-year history.

The proposal was unveiled by the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, where he explained that the initiative is part of the broader NYSC reform approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

According to the minister, replacing the traditional khaki uniform with Adire fabric is aimed at promoting local production, reviving Nigeria’s textile industry, creating jobs, and ensuring that government spending circulates within the domestic economy.

“It’s Adire. Adire is being produced in Nigeria. We have it in Ogun, we have it in Kwara, we have textile industries. Let us put our money back into the country,” Olawande said.

The minister explained that the proposed uniform change aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s economic agenda of promoting Made-in-Nigeria products and strengthening indigenous industries through increased government patronage.

The proposal forms part of a broader package of NYSC reforms, including extending the orientation programme from three weeks to six weeks, introducing career-focused and entrepreneurship training, deploying corps members based on security risk assessments, improving digital and financial skills, and transitioning the scheme to a civilian-led administration while retaining military participation in orientation and security operations.

Since the announcement, Nigerians have taken to social media to express divergent views on the proposed replacement of the traditional khaki uniform.

Some critics argued that changing the uniform is not among the country’s most pressing priorities, especially at a time when corps members continue to face concerns over welfare, security, accommodation and delayed allowances.

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Reacting on X, @Grabio01 wrote, “Is that the solution to the problem of this country? Una never ready.”

Another user, @NgizweUpdate, said the khaki uniform symbolises discipline and national service and should not be discarded.

“No, I disagree with this change. Khaki has history and discipline. Adire is beautiful but for ceremony, not service. Let’s not lose the meaning,” the user wrote.

Similarly, @BlacSheep01 criticised the proposal, questioning the government’s priorities.

“This country is a joke! What happened to the previous NYSC uniform that warrants the unnecessary change? Why is Nigeria government full of misplaced priorities?” the user posted.

Another X user, @realTonyUche, described the decision as inappropriate for Nigeria’s current realities.

Some commentators also questioned whether Adire, traditionally associated with southwestern Nigeria, should replace a uniform regarded as a national symbol that has represented unity, discipline and patriotism since 1973.

Others suggested that Adire could instead be introduced as ceremonial attire for passing-out parades, cultural events or official occasions while retaining the khaki uniform for daily camp activities.

Despite the criticism, many Nigerians welcomed the proposal, describing it as a bold step toward promoting indigenous industries and reducing dependence on imported materials.

Supporting the initiative, @SollFlame suggested expanding the cultural concept further, writing, “This is a good one. They should add fila and bata too.”

Another supporter, @valentinepaulal said the decision would encourage local production and create economic opportunities.

“For me, this right here is a good initiative. It will encourage local production of the fabric,” the user wrote.

Similarly, @FeranmiOlukare argued that resistance to the proposal reflected an unwillingness to embrace positive reforms.

Another user, @jpremewwcoin described the proposed switch from khaki to Adire as one of the most remarkable reforms in the history of the NYSC, saying it would give corps members a uniform that better reflects Nigerian culture and identity.

Supporters also argued that increased government patronage of locally made fabrics could stimulate Nigeria’s textile value chain, create jobs for artisans and manufacturers, and strengthen industries in states such as Ogun, Osun, Kwara and Ondo, where Adire production is well established.

The Federal Government has maintained that the proposed adoption of Adire is only one aspect of a comprehensive transformation of the NYSC.

According to Olawande, the objective is not merely to change what corps members wear but to reposition the scheme as a platform for skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, productivity and national development.

He added that implementation would be gradual, with reforms requiring amendments to the NYSC Act to be forwarded to the National Assembly, while others could be introduced administratively.

Although no timeline has been announced for the introduction of the new uniform, the proposal has already generated one of the most intense public conversations surrounding the future of the NYSC, highlighting the competing expectations of Nigerians regarding national identity, economic development and youth empowerment.

Nigerians Divided Over FG’s Plan to Replace NYSC Khaki Uniform With Adire

Alleged Coup Plot: DSS Arraigns Five Over Concealment of Ex-Gov Timipre Sylva

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned five alleged associates of former Bayelsa State Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, over allegations that they concealed his whereabouts after he was declared wanted in connection with an alleged plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The five defendants—Reuben Ayuba, Musa Mohammed, Friday Paul, Paganengigha Anagaha, and Ayebaifie Suobite—were arraigned before Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and allegedly concealing the whereabouts of a fugitive.

According to the DSS, the defendants became accessories after the alleged offence by concealing Sylva’s whereabouts on or about April 28, 2026, despite allegedly knowing that he had been declared wanted by the Federal Government.

The security agency alleged that the defendants committed offences contrary to Sections 516 and 519 of the Criminal Code Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN), 2004.

When the charges were read in court, all five defendants pleaded not guilty.

Following their pleas, counsel to the DSS, Emmanuel Orubor, urged the court to remand the defendants and fix a date for trial, stating that the prosecution was prepared to call witnesses to establish its case.

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However, defence lawyers, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Sunusi Musa, alongside Ibrahim Imadegbelo, I.G. Kelubia, and E.C. Sogo, applied for bail on behalf of their clients.

The defence informed the court that the defendants had remained in DSS custody since October 25, 2025, and urged Justice Lifu to admit them to bail on liberal terms pending the determination of the case.

In his ruling, Justice Lifu held that the offences contained in the charge are bailable and consequently admitted each defendant to ₦5 million bail, with two sureties in like sum.

The court directed that each surety must depose to an affidavit of means, provide evidence of payment of tax for the preceding three years, demonstrate a legitimate source of income, submit recent passport photographs, and undergo verification by the court registrar.

Pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions, Justice Lifu ordered that the defendants be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre.

The matter was subsequently adjourned until July 22, 2026, for the commencement of trial.

One of the charges alleged that the defendants concealed the whereabouts of Timipre Sylva, whom the DSS described as “a fugitive of the law,” thereby becoming accessories after the commission of a felony.

The arraignment forms part of a broader investigation into an alleged coup plot against the administration of President Bola Tinubu. According to court filings, security agencies allege that Sylva fled Nigeria before details of the investigation became public and was subsequently declared wanted.

Authorities have also initiated legal proceedings seeking the forfeiture of some properties allegedly linked to the former governor as part of the ongoing investigation.

The allegations against Sylva and the five defendants remain before the court. Under Nigerian law, they are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.

The case is expected to attract significant public attention as the Federal Government continues its investigation into the alleged coup plot and related offences.

Alleged Coup Plot: DSS Arraigns Five Over Concealment of Ex-Gov Timipre Sylva