The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has condemned the recent ruling of the Court of Appeal on the use of hijab at the International School, University of Ibadan (ISI-UI), describing it as a “travesty of justice” and a violation of fundamental rights.
In a statement issued on Saturday, July 4, 2026, the Executive Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola, said the appellate court’s decision overturning an earlier judgment that permitted the use of hijab by Muslim students was unacceptable and contrary to established legal principles.
The Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan had, in a split decision of two to one, ruled that ISI-UI is a private institution on the grounds that it does not receive government funding. The court further held that although freedom of religion is a fundamental right, it is personal and can be waived, noting that the affected students had voluntarily agreed to the school’s dress code.
Reacting to the verdict, MURIC described the ruling as “an inexplicable judicial somersault” that contradicts both national and global legal standards. The group argued that the decision undermines constitutional guarantees of religious freedom and ignores precedents set by higher courts, including the Supreme Court’s pronouncement in favour of the use of hijab in 2022.
MURIC also maintained that even as a private institution, ISI-UI has no authority to override constitutionally guaranteed rights, insisting that no internal policy or regulation should supersede the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution.
The group further accused the ruling of eroding the identity and values of Muslim students, warning that the decision represents a broader challenge to religious rights and social norms.
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Declaring its next line of action, MURIC said it would challenge the ruling at the Supreme Court, expressing confidence that justice would ultimately prevail.
“The battle has just started. Supreme Court, here we come,” Akintola stated.
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