Court of Appeal Orders Status Quo in UI International School Hijab Dispute, Warns Against Harassing Students

The Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan has ordered all parties involved in the long-running legal battle over the use of the hijab at the University of Ibadan International School to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the case.

The appellate court issued the directive on Wednesday while hearing an application for an injunction pending appeal and a stay of execution filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC). The matter was adjourned until October 7, 2026, for further hearing.

The dispute dates back to 2018 after some female Muslim students at the University of Ibadan International School, a secondary school owned by the University of Ibadan, were reportedly prevented from wearing the hijab. Their parents, led by Alhaji Abdulrahman Balogun, subsequently instituted legal action to challenge the school’s position.

In 2024, an Oyo State High Court ruled in favour of the affected students, affirming their right to wear the hijab while attending the school. However, the Court of Appeal recently overturned that judgment in a split decision, holding that the Supreme Court’s earlier ruling on the use of hijab applies specifically to public schools.

Despite overturning the lower court’s decision, the appellate court has now directed that the existing situation be preserved until it determines MURIC’s latest application.

The three-member panel, led by Justice K.I. Amadi, also cautioned the school management, teachers and other administrators against harassing, intimidating or victimising any of the affected students while the case remains before the court.

The judges further ordered the school not to take any disciplinary or administrative action against the Muslim students involved in the dispute until the application is heard and determined.

The latest ruling means the legal battle over the use of the hijab at the University of Ibadan International School remains unresolved, with all parties expected to maintain the current arrangement until the Court of Appeal resumes hearing on October 7.