Hijab ban at UI International School: Appeal Court has final say
By: Abudu Olalekan
It was a close one. But the Court of Appeal in Ibadan has spoken: hijab stays banned at UI International School.
Back in 2021, a lower court ruled that the school’s ban on hijab violated students’ religious rights. Eleven girls, with help from Muslim Rights Concern, had taken the school to court. And they won.
But the school wasn’t having it. They appealed. And now, the higher court has sided with them.
Here’s the thing – the Supreme Court said hijab is okay in public schools. But UI International School? It’s private. And that makes all the difference according to Justices Biobele Georgewill and K.I. Amadi.
They said the students agreed to the school’s rules when they enrolled, including the dress code. So no hijab.
Justice Fadawu Umar saw it differently. Thought the appeal should be thrown out. But with a 2-1 vote, his opinion didn’t carry the day.
So that’s that. For private schools in Nigeria, the hijab question is still up in the air. But at UI International School at least, the ban stands.
Olalekan A. Abudu is a seasoned and dedicated News Journalist at REPORTERS ROOM, with over eight years of experience. He specializes in politics, climate change, health, and education, while also covering security, economic, and judicial issues. Committed to accuracy and balanced reporting, Olalekan exemplifies the principles of public-interest journalism.
