badan: Court of Appeal reinstates Hijab ban at UI International School – Blueprint Newspapers Limited

The Ibadan Court of Appeal on Friday overturned the ruling of the Oyo State High Court allowing Muslim schoolgirls to wear hijab at the Ibadan International School (ISI).

In a two-to-one ruling, the Court of Appeal found that the school’s policy banning the wearing of the hijab with official uniform remains valid.

Delivering the main judgment, Justice Biobele Georgewill, together with Justice KI Amadi, said that ISI is a private institution and not a public school.

The court also ruled that the Supreme Court decision allowing the wearing of hijab in public schools in Lagos State does not extend to private schools.

Judge Georgewill also found that the students voluntarily agreed to the school’s rules and regulations, including the dress code, upon admission, and were therefore bound to those conditions.

Justice Fadawu Umar in a dissenting ruling argued that the appeal was unfounded and should be dismissed, thus upholding the High Court’s earlier decision.

Meanwhile, the management of the International School of the University of Ibadan has announced that the school will begin the immediate implementation of the ban on wearing of hijab and headscarf on school uniform from Monday 6 July.

The management, in a message sent to parents and guardians of its students on the WhatsApp platform, said the school, which the court described as a private school, expects all students to comply with the rules and regulations.

“Following the judgment of the Court of Appeal delivered on Friday, July 3, 2026, declaring the International School, University of Ibadan, a private school, all students are expected to abide by the rules and regulations of the School.

“Accordingly, starting Monday 6 July 2026, no student will be permitted to wear the hijab with school uniform. Parents and guardians are kindly requested to ensure that their children comply with this directive. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.”