MPAC condemns assault on Muslim students’ rights as Ibadan school loses hijab case

The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) has condemned the International School Ibadan (ISI), University of Ibadan, Oyo State, over the alleged violation of Muslim students’ rights, especially their right to wear the hijab. 

The Oyo State High Court granted female Muslim students the right to wear hijabs as part of their school uniform on May 22, 2024.

The school filed for a stay of execution at the state high court but Justice Moshood Isola struck out the application on Tuesday, stating that entertaining a pending application at the appeal court constitutes judicial impertinence.

The school’s counsel, Mr. Magnus Ejelonu, argued that the application was based on Order 4, Rule 10 of the Appeal Court, which allows cases to be deemed admissible when records are received and assigned a file number in the court registry.

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However, Mr. Hassan Fajimite, counsel for the 11 female Muslim students, expressed disappointment in the school’s attempt to undermine the enforcement of fundamental human rights, as established by the High Court’s well-founded judgment.

Mr. Yusuf Anikulapo, counsel for the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), supported Fajimite’s submission, noting that the applicant’s record of appeal has been transmitted and assigned Suit No: CA/IB/345/2024.

Consequently, Justice Ishola struck out the application due to lack of merit and inconsistency with established rules.

According to MPAC, this marks the second time within six months that ISI has attempted to suppress Muslim students’ constitutional rights to wear the hijab on school premises.

MPAC’s Executive Chairman, Disu Kamor, urged the school to comply immediately with the court’s ruling.

The Chairman of the ISI Muslim Parents Forum, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, welcomed the decision, highlighting the harmonious coexistence of students from diverse backgrounds, as evident in the 2024 Yearbook.