Court Of Appeal Voids Order Permitting Wearing Of Hijab In Schools

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Court of Appeal, Ibadan Division, on Friday July 3, 2026, nullified the judgment of an Oyo State High Court affirming the right of female Muslim students of the University of Ibadan International School to wear hijab on top of their official uniforms.

The source reports that the trial court had on May 22, 2024, while ruling on an application filed by 11 Muslim students of the institution, upheld their rights to wear hijab to school.

The court had also held that the authorities of the School has no powers to prevent the students from wearing the hijab as part of their uniforms.

The authorities of the institution had argued that hijab does not form part of the students official uniforms, and as such is not permitted to be worn by any students.

Dissatisfied by the trial Court’s ruling, the management approached the Court of Appeal seeking a reversal.

The Appellate court  in a split judgment of two to one upheld the appeal by the institution’s management, and noted that the Supreme Court verdict granting the wearing of hijab is only applicable to public schools.

In the majority judgment delivered by Honourable Justice Biobele Georgewill, with Justice K I Amadi concurring, the Appellate Court held that the Supreme Court ruling on hijab can not apply to the University of Ibadan , International School being a private educational institution.

“The Supreme Court, which granted the use of hijab was in respect to a public school in Lagos state

“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.

“The judgment of the lower court allowing female students to wear hijab on their school uniforms at International School Ibadan, a private school is hereby set aside”, Justice Georgewill ruled.