Court upholds hijab rights for female Muslim students at UI school

Court upholds hijab rights for female Muslim students at UI school

In a landmark ruling, the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan has affirmed the right of female Muslim students at the International School, University of Ibadan, to wear hijabs over their school uniforms.

This decision underscores the constitutional guarantee of religious freedom in Nigeria.

Justice Moshood Ishola, delivering the judgment, emphasized that the right to practice one’s religion is firmly enshrined in the Nigerian constitution. He cited precedents set by previous Supreme Court judgments to support his ruling.

The case began in 2018 when a group of Muslim students, supported by their parents, filed a lawsuit against the school management. They asserted their fundamental human right to wear the hijab as part of their school attire. The suit also named several principal officers of the school as defendants.

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The plaintiffs included students Faridah Akerele, Aaliyah Dopesi, Akhifah Dokpesi, Raheemah Akinlusi, Imam Akinoso, Hamdallah Olosunde, Aliyyah Adebayo, Moriddiyah Yekinni, Ikhlas Badiru, Mahmuda Babarinde, and Fareedah Moshood. They argued that wearing the hijab is an essential aspect of their faith and should be respected by the school administration.

In his judgment, Justice Ishola noted that as a public institution, the school must accommodate the religious practices of its students. He highlighted that not only the constitution but also various international charters recognize and protect the freedom of religion and association.

“The school, its staff, or agents have no right to punish students for using hijab on the school premises or outside the school premises,” the judge stated. “Fundamental human rights are inalienable rights and cannot be taken away, even by a powerful government. The school is a public institution.”

This ruling is a significant victory for religious freedom advocates and sets a precedent for similar cases in the future. It reinforces the principle that public institutions must respect and uphold the constitutional rights of individuals, including the right to express religious beliefs through attire.

Court upholds hijab rights for female Muslim students at UI school