The Court of Appeal in Ibadan has overturned a decision of the Oyo State High Court that allowed Muslim students of the University of Ibadan International School to wear the hijab as part of their school uniform.
Delivering judgment on Friday, the appellate court held that the school’s uniform policy, which previously did not accommodate the hijab, was lawful and should be upheld.
The court ruled that the school authorities have the right to determine their dress code, and that the Muslim students’ rights to freedom of religion had not been breached.
The judgment effectively sets aside the earlier High Court ruling, which had been celebrated by Muslim communities and human rights advocates.
The Court of Appeal’s decision has been met with mixed reactions, with some welcoming it as a victory for institutional autonomy, while others view it as a setback for religious freedom.
The case is expected to be appealed to the Supreme Court.
