MURIC Briefs Public on Latest Development in UI–ISI Hijab Appeal

MURIC Briefs Public on Latest Development in UI–ISI Hijab Appeal

The Oyo State chapter of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has updated the public on the latest development in the ongoing appeal over the controversial hijab dispute involving the University of Ibadan and the International School Ibadan.

In a statement issued on Friday, the organisation said proceedings took place at the Court of Appeal on March 6, 2026, where the appellants — the University of Ibadan, International School Ibadan and three other parties — moved an application seeking an extension of time to compile and transmit the record of appeal in the case.

According to MURIC, the application, which was dated and filed on November 11, 2024, requested the court to grant an enlargement of time for the appellants to complete the process and also asked that the already compiled record be deemed as properly compiled and transmitted.

The court, after listening to submissions from counsel, granted the application as requested.

Following the ruling, the appellate court issued directives for the filing of briefs by the parties involved in the case.

The appellants were ordered to file their brief of argument within seven days, while the respondents are expected to file their brief within fourteen days after being served with the appellants’ brief. The appellants were also given an additional seven days to file a reply brief, if necessary, after receiving the respondents’ brief.

The court subsequently adjourned the matter to April 29, 2026, for the hearing of the appeal.

MURIC further disclosed that eleven other related appeals connected to the hijab controversy had earlier been adjourned to the same date, meaning all the cases are expected to be heard together.

The legal team representing MURIC in the matter is led by Barrister Yusuf Anikulapo, who was present in court during the proceedings.

Reiterating its position, the organisation stated that it remains committed to pursuing justice and defending what it described as the fundamental rights of Muslim students to practice their religion freely, including the right to wear the hijab in schools.

MURIC therefore urged members of the Muslim community and the public to remain calm, prayerful and supportive as the legal process continues.

The statement was signed by Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, General Secretary of MURIC, Oyo State Chapter.

MURIC Briefs Public on Latest Development in UI–ISI Hijab Appeal