Appeal Court Hijab Verdict ‘Travesty of Justice’, MURIC Vows to Fight On

IBADAN – The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has described Friday’s Court of Appeal ruling that overturned a High Court judgment permitting female Muslim students of the International School, University of Ibadan (ISI-UI), to wear the hijab as a “travesty of justice” and a “forced abortion in the temple of justice,” vowing to take the matter to the Supreme Court .

In a statement issued on Saturday by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, the Islamic human rights organisation rejected the appellate court’s majority decision, which held that ISI-UI is a private school and therefore not bound by previous Supreme Court rulings allowing hijab use in public schools . The three-member appellate panel, in a split decision of two to one, set aside the May 22, 2024 judgment of the Oyo State High Court, which had ruled in favour of 11 female Muslim students who challenged the school’s prohibition of the hijab as part of the school uniform .

The legal battle over the hijab at ISI-UI has lasted approximately seven years, beginning in 2018 when the school barred female Muslim students from wearing the headscarf with their school uniform . Eleven students, supported by MURIC, instituted legal action contending that the policy violated their constitutional rights to freedom of religion and freedom from discrimination .

READ ALSO:

• Islamic Scholar Cautions Students Against Wasteful ‘Signing-Out’ Shirt Tradition
• South Africa Rejects Nigeria’s Compensation Request Over Xenophobic Attacks
• 13 Women, 12 Men Arrested as Kebbi Hisbah Cracks Down on Immoral Activities in Hotel

Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Biobele Georgewill, with Justice K.I. Amadi concurring, held that ISI-UI qualifies as a private institution because it does not receive government subventions . The majority further ruled that the constitutional right to freedom of religion is a personal right that can be waived, and that the students had voluntarily waived that right by signing an undertaking to obey the school’s code of conduct, including its dress code . “In public schools, you can wear the hijab on school uniforms based on the judgment of the Supreme Court, but the Supreme Court is yet to make any decision on the use of hijab in private schools,” the court held . However, Justice Fadawu Umar dissented, holding that the appeal lacked merit and should have been dismissed, affirming the lower court’s decision .

Professor Akintola argued that the ruling contradicts established legal principles and global best practices regarding religious freedom . “This is a travesty of justice, a forced abortion in the temple of justice and an inexplicable judicial somersault. This pronouncement cannot stand parri passu global best practices,” he said . The MURIC director maintained that even as a private school, ISI-UI has no right to violate the fundamental human rights of Muslim students, particularly since the Nigerian Constitution clearly states that no private rules or regulations can override its stipulations . “It is a basic principle in the Nigerian legal system and around the world that a lower court cannot overrule the decision of a higher one, how much more in a case that the Supreme Court had given a pronouncement. It is well known that the Nigerian Supreme Court ruled in favour of the hijab since July 2022,” Akintola stated . He further described the ruling as a “blatant assault on our norms and established social decorum” that has “made a caricature of legitimate demands of Muslims” .

MURIC has already filed a Notice of Appeal together with a Motion for Stay of Execution/Injunction pending the appeal of the judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal, Ibadan Judicial Division . “The legal implication is that the International School, University of Ibadan, which we believe is a law-abiding educational institution, cannot lawfully prevent Muslim students from wearing the hijab pending the hearing and determination of the Motion for Stay of Execution/Injunction pending appeal,” MURIC stated . Professor Akintola vowed that the miscarriage of justice would not go unchallenged: “We are heading to the Supreme Court. A Christian legal system has robbed Muslims of their identity and their value system. It must not stand. The battle has just started. Supreme Court here we come” .

Meanwhile, the management of the International School, University of Ibadan has announced that it will commence immediate enforcement of its ban on the wearing of the hijab and headscarf with the school uniform from Monday, July 6, 2026 . In a message sent to parents and guardians, the school stated: “Following the judgment of the Court of Appeal delivered on Friday, July 3, 2026, declaring The International School, University of Ibadan, a private school, all students are required to comply with the rules and regulations of the School. Accordingly, with effect from Monday, July 6, 2026, no student will be allowed to wear a hijab with the school uniform” .

The Chairman of the ISI Muslim Parents Forum, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, described the verdict as shocking and disappointing, but assured that the move to protect the religious rights of Muslim students was far from over . “As Allah decreed, we lost the appeal, but the struggle continues,” Balogun said . “We will take this matter to the highest court in the land. We appeal to all to remain calm in the face of what we consider open oppression” .

Appeal Court Hijab Verdict ‘Travesty of Justice’, MURIC Vows to Fight On

South Africa Rejects Nigeria’s Compensation Request Over Xenophobic Attacks

The South African government has turned down Nigeria’s request for compensation for citizens who fled the country during the recent wave of xenophobic attacks, insisting that it will not pay for businesses, homes or other properties abandoned by affected migrants.

The decision follows an announcement by the Nigerian government that it had begun documenting losses suffered by Nigerians who returned home after renewed anti-immigrant violence forced many to abandon their investments and seek safety.

Earlier in the week, Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Temitope Ajayi, disclosed that the Federal Government was compiling records of businesses, houses and other valuable assets left behind by returnees. He said the documentation would form the basis of diplomatic engagements with South African authorities on possible compensation for victims.

According to Ajayi, the exercise is intended to ensure that Nigerians who suffered financial losses as a result of the violence receive appropriate consideration through bilateral discussions rather than through litigation.

However, South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, dismissed the proposal during a press briefing on Friday, maintaining that the South African government has no obligation to compensate anyone for properties abandoned during the unrest.

She explained that legally acquired properties remain protected under South African law and can be sold through the country’s property market, while structures erected in informal settlements are regarded as illegal and therefore cannot qualify for compensation.

READ ALSO:

• 13 Women, 12 Men Arrested as Kebbi Hisbah Cracks Down on Immoral Activities in Hotel
• The Phantom Presidential Council scandal, By Farooq Kperogi
• 11 Edo Kidnap Victims Escape as Abductors Fall Asleep After Overnight Trek

“There is no compensation that will come from government,” Ntshavheni said.

She added that owners of legally registered movable and immovable assets remain free to dispose of them through the appropriate legal channels if they choose to do so.

Ntshavheni also made controversial remarks linking some Nigerians to alleged drug-related activities, saying authorities would welcome information on locations allegedly used for criminal operations so they could be shut down.

“We’ll be interested to know where the drug dens of Nigerians are, so they can show us where they have been holding the drugs so that we can clean the drugs in South Africa quite urgently,” she said.

The minister further stated that structures in informal settlements do not constitute legally recognised properties because such settlements violate South African planning and land-use regulations.

In addition, she announced that the South African Cabinet had approved fresh measures aimed at preventing demolished informal settlements from being re-established, describing the policy as part of broader efforts to strengthen urban management and law enforcement.

Nigeria’s compensation request comes amid renewed xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals, particularly African migrants living and working in South Africa.

The latest attacks prompted hundreds of Nigerians to return home under government-assisted evacuation efforts, while many others reportedly abandoned businesses, homes and personal belongings over fears for their safety.

The Federal Government has maintained that law-abiding Nigerians who lost their investments because of the violence deserve protection and support. Officials say the documentation exercise is part of wider diplomatic efforts to address the humanitarian and economic consequences of the attacks.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has previously condemned xenophobic violence, stressing that no individual or group has the authority to take immigration enforcement into their own hands. He has pledged action against those responsible for inciting violence while urging communities to respect the rule of law.

The issue is expected to remain on the diplomatic agenda between Abuja and Pretoria, with both countries facing renewed pressure to strengthen cooperation on migrant protection, security and efforts to prevent recurring xenophobic attacks that have strained bilateral relations for years.

South Africa Rejects Nigeria’s Compensation Request Over Xenophobic Attacks

FG Explains Why NYSC Khaki Will Be Replaced With Adire Fabric

The Federal Government has said its decision to replace the iconic National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) khaki uniform with locally produced Adire fabric is part of a broader strategy to boost Nigeria’s textile industry, create jobs, promote indigenous products and ensure government spending benefits the domestic economy.

Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, disclosed this on Thursday during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, where he provided further details on the sweeping reforms recently approved for the NYSC by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

According to the minister, the planned introduction of Adire as the new NYSC uniform is more than a change in appearance. He said it reflects the government’s commitment to supporting local manufacturers and strengthening Nigeria’s textile value chain.

“It is 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.

He explained that by sourcing uniforms from local producers, the government hopes to stimulate economic growth, encourage investment in the textile sector and create employment opportunities for Nigerians.

Beyond the proposed uniform change, Olawande said the Federal Government is overhauling the NYSC deployment system to ensure corps members are posted based on their academic qualifications, professional skills and career pathways.

Under the proposed framework, graduates with education-related degrees, for example, will be deployed to schools after undergoing relevant orientation and skills assessment in camp, rather than being posted arbitrarily.

“After leaving camp, you are not just posted to a school because NYSC wants you to be in a school. The process you follow during orientation camp will provide a framework for where you will eventually be posted,” he explained.

READ ALSO:

• Alleged Coup Plot: DSS Arraigns Five Over Concealment of Ex-Gov Timipre Sylva
• MURIC Commends NSCIA Over Appointment of Abbas Jimoh as Spokesperson
• Presidency Dismisses Allegation Against Gbajabiamila, Says Accuser Is an ‘Impostor’ Facing Trial

The minister also addressed concerns over insecurity in some parts of the country, saying the government is developing a more strategic deployment model that takes security realities into account.

He explained that prospective corps members may increasingly be deployed to states or regions where they studied or are already familiar with the environment, particularly in areas facing security challenges. According to him, the approach is intended to reduce anxiety among parents and corps members while minimising the need for redeployment after mobilisation.

“If you have interest in serving in another region, you can still indicate that. But where security concerns exist, we want to look at those who are already familiar with the environment instead of forcing people to relocate unnecessarily,” he said.

Olawande also dismissed reports suggesting the military would be removed entirely from the NYSC, describing such claims as a misunderstanding of the approved reforms.

He clarified that while the scheme’s operational leadership will transition to a civilian-led structure, the military will continue to play a critical role in orientation activities, drills and the security of corps members nationwide.

“We are not taking the military out of NYSC. That is a misconception. There is no way the military can be removed completely. What we are moving away from is military mobilisation to civilian mobilisation,” the minister said.

The proposed changes form part of the most comprehensive reform of the NYSC since its establishment in 1973. Earlier this week, the Federal Executive Council approved a wide-ranging overhaul of the scheme, including extending the orientation programme from three weeks to six weeks, introducing structured career pathways, expanding entrepreneurship and digital skills training, and placing greater emphasis on employability and national development.

The reforms also provide for risk-based deployment of corps members to states facing security challenges, improved skills acquisition programmes, technology-driven mobilisation processes and a civilian Director-General to oversee the scheme’s administration while retaining military support for security and orientation activities.

The Federal Government has directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to begin amending the NYSC Act and other relevant regulations to enable the implementation of the approved reforms.

The announcement has generated widespread reactions, with many Nigerians welcoming the plan to support local industries, while others argue that the traditional khaki uniform has become a cherished symbol of national unity and should be preserved. The government, however, insists the reforms are designed to reposition the NYSC as a modern, skills-driven institution capable of preparing young Nigerians for employment, entrepreneurship and national service.

FG Explains Why NYSC Khaki Will Be Replaced With Adire Fabric