ISI Muslim Parents Reject Appeal Court Verdict, Head to Supreme Court Over Hijab Ban

The ISI Muslim Parents Forum (ISIMPF) has vowed to challenge the Court of Appeal’s judgment affirming the International School, University of Ibadan (ISI)‘s ban on the use of hijab by female Muslim students, declaring that the legal battle will continue at the Supreme Court.

The forum announced its decision shortly after the Court of Appeal, Ibadan Division, delivered a split 2-1 judgment on Friday, overturning an earlier ruling of the Oyo State High Court, which had recognised the right of Muslim students to wear hijab as part of the school’s approved uniform.

The legal dispute, which began in 2018, was instituted by 11 Muslim female students of ISI with the support of the ISI Muslim Parents Forum and the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC). The students argued that the school’s policy prohibiting the use of hijab violated their constitutional rights to freedom of religion and freedom from discrimination.

In May 2024, the Oyo State High Court ruled in favour of the students, holding that the restriction was unconstitutional and ordering the school to allow the wearing of hijab.

However, the management of the International School, University of Ibadan appealed the decision.

Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Biobele Abraham Georgewill, with Justice K.I. Amadi concurring, held that the International School is a private educational institution, despite its affiliation with the University of Ibadan, and therefore has the legal authority to establish and enforce its internal rules, including its dress code.

The appellate court ruled that the Supreme Court’s 2022 judgment permitting Muslim students to wear hijab applies only to public schools and does not automatically extend to privately managed educational institutions.

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The court further held that while the right to freedom of religion is constitutionally protected, it is also a personal right that may be voluntarily waived.

According to the majority judgment, parents and students accepted the school’s regulations, including its uniform policy, when they signed undertakings as part of the admission process.

“In public schools, you can wear 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,” Justice Georgewill held.

Although the Court of Appeal ruled in favour of the school on the hijab issue, it found that the treatment of the affected students during the dispute violated their rights.

The court faulted the school for confining the students in the school library for between three and four hours and consequently reduced the damages awarded by the High Court from N1 million to N200,000.

In his dissenting judgment, Justice Fadawu Umar held that the appeal lacked merit and should have been dismissed, effectively affirming the High Court’s earlier decision in favour of the students.

Reacting to the verdict, Chairman of the ISI Muslim Parents Forum, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, described the judgment as disappointing but insisted that the campaign for the protection of the students’ religious rights would continue.

“As Allah decreed, we lost the appeal, but the struggle continues. 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,” Balogun said.

He urged Muslim parents, students and supporters to remain peaceful while legal efforts continue, expressing confidence that the Supreme Court would provide final clarity on the constitutional issues raised by the case.

Balogun also quoted Qur’an 10:85-86, praying for divine intervention and justice as the forum prepares to file its appeal.

Following the judgment, the International School, University of Ibadan informed parents and guardians that it would immediately enforce the appellate court’s decision.

In a notice circulated to parents, the school announced that from Monday, July 6, 2026, students would no longer be permitted to wear hijab or headscarves with the official school uniform, urging parents to ensure full compliance.

The judgment has reignited nationwide debate over the balance between religious freedom, constitutional rights, and the authority of private schools to determine their internal policies.

Legal analysts say the planned Supreme Court appeal could become a landmark constitutional case that clarifies whether private educational institutions may restrict the wearing of religious attire despite the protections guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution.

The case is also expected to define the legal boundaries between contractual obligations voluntarily accepted by students during admission and the enforcement of fundamental rights within privately managed schools.

Religious organisations, education stakeholders, legal practitioners and civil society groups continue to monitor the dispute closely, describing it as one of Nigeria’s most significant legal battles involving education, religious liberty, and the autonomy of private institutions.

Until the Supreme Court delivers a final judgment, the Court of Appeal’s decision remains the binding legal position, empowering the International School, University of Ibadan to enforce its existing dress code.

ISI Muslim Parents Reject Appeal Court Verdict, Head to Supreme Court Over Hijab Ban

NANS to Tinubu: Don’t Sack Gbajabiamila Over Unproven PFIPC Allegations

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to remove his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, over allegations arising from the controversy surrounding the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), insisting that no public official should be sanctioned before the completion of a credible and impartial investigation.

In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, NANS President, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, described calls for Gbajabiamila’s dismissal as premature, urging Nigerians to uphold the constitutional principles of due process, fair hearing, and the presumption of innocence.

The student body said it had closely followed recent developments involving Gbajabiamila and Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claims to be the Director-General of the PFIPC, stressing that while corruption allegations must always be taken seriously, they should be investigated through lawful institutions rather than adjudicated in the court of public opinion.

According to NANS, every Nigerian is entitled to the constitutional protection that presumes an accused person innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law.

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“We respectfully urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to allow a loyal and dedicated public servant to be sacrificed on the altar of unsubstantiated accusations before the truth is established,” the association stated.

The appeal comes amid growing public debate over the PFIPC, an organisation that the Presidency has publicly stated is not a recognised agency under the Tinubu administration.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga recently maintained that the Federal Government does not recognise the PFIPC and disclosed that the Nigeria Police Force had filed an eight-count criminal charge against Adeyemi over allegations including forgery, impersonation, and related offences.

Despite the Presidency’s position, the controversy intensified after documents surfaced showing that the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation approved a waiver in August 2025 for the recruitment of 300 personnel into the PFIPC despite an existing embargo on public service recruitment. The council was also reportedly allocated about N1.3 billion in the 2026 Appropriation Act, prompting renewed scrutiny over its legal status and operations.

Adeyemi has consistently rejected the Presidency’s position, insisting that the PFIPC is a legitimate government initiative. He has also publicly alleged that the dispute stemmed from his refusal to surrender a portion of the council’s take-off grant and claimed he paid money to secure his appointment. Those allegations have not been proven in court, and no judicial findings have been made against the Chief of Staff.

Against this backdrop, NANS urged Nigerians to avoid reaching conclusions before ongoing investigations and court proceedings are concluded.

Afeez said the association supports the fight against corruption but believes it must always be conducted within the framework of justice, equity, fairness, and the rule of law.

He called on the appropriate law enforcement and investigative agencies to conduct a transparent, independent, and comprehensive investigation into all claims surrounding the controversy.

According to him, every allegation, supporting document, and the conduct of all parties involved should be objectively scrutinised before any administrative or political action is taken.

The student body also defended Gbajabiamila’s record in public service, describing the former Speaker of the House of Representatives as a leader who has consistently demonstrated commitment to democratic governance, education, and youth development.

NANS recalled his role during the 2022 Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike, noting that he facilitated dialogue between the Federal Government and the union at a critical period when public universities were shut down for several months.

The association argued that Gbajabiamila had maintained a longstanding relationship with Nigerian students through legislative interventions and policy engagements aimed at improving the education sector.

While reaffirming its support for accountability, transparency, and responsible governance, NANS insisted that allegations alone should never replace established judicial processes.

The association warned against what it described as trial by media, political witch-hunts, and attempts to weaken public institutions through claims that have not been subjected to judicial scrutiny.

It further noted that concerns had also been raised regarding Adeyemi’s previous dealings with some organisations, arguing that his allegations against the Chief of Staff should not be accepted as established facts until investigations and court proceedings are concluded.

NANS maintained that respecting the principles of due process is essential to preserving public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions and ensuring that justice is administered fairly.

As the controversy continues to unfold, the association urged all stakeholders to allow law enforcement agencies and the courts to determine the facts, rather than relying on speculation or public pressure.

NANS to Tinubu: Don’t Sack Gbajabiamila Over Unproven PFIPC Allegations

FG Clears N39.6bn Pension Arrears for Former NITEL, PHCN, Bank Workers

The Federal Government has paid more than N39.6 billion in outstanding pension liabilities to thousands of retirees under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS), ending years of unpaid arrears owed to former employees of the defunct Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL), Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTEL), Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), Assurance Bank, NICON, and the People’s Bank of Nigeria.

The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) announced the payment on Friday, describing it as a major milestone in the Federal Government’s efforts to clear inherited pension liabilities and improve the welfare of retired public servants.

According to PTAD, the disbursement fulfils President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment under the Renewed Hope Agenda to resolve longstanding pension obligations that had remained unpaid for several years.

A breakdown of the payments shows that N25.05 billion was released to settle 35 months of pension arrears owed to 9,675 eligible retirees of the defunct NITEL and MTEL.

The Federal Government also paid N9.48 billion, representing the first 50 per cent of the Back End Computation (BEC) arrears due to 3,959 eligible PHCN pensioners.

In addition, N5.09 billion was disbursed as the outstanding balance of the 10.66 per cent and 12.95 per cent pension increment arrears owed to 11,180 eligible pensioners from Assurance Bank, NICON, NITEL, and the People’s Bank of Nigeria.

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In total, the latest payment benefits more than 24,800 retirees, many of whom had waited years for the settlement of their outstanding entitlements.

PTAD said the payment represents another significant step towards restoring confidence in Nigeria’s pension administration system, particularly for pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme, which predates the country’s contributory pension system.

Speaking on the development, the Executive Secretary of PTAD, Tolulope Odunaiya, praised President Tinubu for approving the release of funds to offset the inherited liabilities.

She described the payment as evidence of the administration’s commitment to protecting the welfare and dignity of retired public servants.

“These landmark achievements mark yet another significant milestone in the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the welfare and dignity of Defined Benefit Scheme pensioners. It is a clear demonstration of the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose Renewed Hope Agenda places priority on social protection, inclusive governance and the well-being of senior citizens,” she said.

Odunaiya noted that the settlement had resolved some of the oldest outstanding pension liabilities inherited by the current administration.

“Under the President’s leadership, the Directorate has successfully resolved all longstanding inherited pension liabilities, bringing lasting relief to thousands of Defined Benefit Scheme pensioners.”

She explained that the payment followed presidential approval granted in August 2025, while the required funds were subsequently provided in the 2026 Appropriation Act.

According to her, clearing the arrears underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to sustaining pension reforms and ensuring retirees receive their entitlements without unnecessary delays.

“The successful liquidation of these liabilities underscores the Federal Government’s resolve to sustain pension reforms and ensure that Defined Benefit Scheme pensioners receive their rightful entitlements in a timely manner, consistent with the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

Odunaiya also thanked the affected retirees for their patience throughout the period the liabilities remained unpaid.

She reaffirmed PTAD’s commitment to transparent, efficient and pensioner-focused service delivery while assuring beneficiaries that the agency would continue working to improve pension administration.

The Defined Benefit Scheme covers federal retirees who left public service before the introduction of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) under the Pension Reform Act 2004. Established in 2013, PTAD is responsible for administering pensions under the old scheme and settling outstanding obligations inherited from defunct government agencies and privatised public enterprises.

For years, pensioners’ associations have repeatedly appealed to the Federal Government to clear accumulated arrears and implement approved pension increases, arguing that inflation and the rising cost of living had significantly eroded retirees’ purchasing power.

Labour and pension advocacy groups have welcomed the latest payment as a positive step towards rebuilding confidence in the country’s pension system. However, they urged the government to ensure that future pension payments, arrears and approved increments are settled promptly to prevent another backlog.

Analysts also believe the clearance of the inherited liabilities will strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s pension reforms, improve retirees’ welfare and demonstrate the government’s commitment to honouring its obligations to former public servants.

The latest disbursement forms part of broader efforts by the Federal Government to modernise pension administration, eliminate legacy debts and ensure timely payment of benefits to retirees across the country.

FG Clears N39.6bn Pension Arrears for Former NITEL, PHCN, Bank Workers