The Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan on Friday set aside the judgment of the Oyo State High Court permitting female Muslim students towear hijab at the International School, Ibadan (ISI).
In a split judgment of two to one, the Court of Appeal held that the school’s policy prohibiting the use of hijab with its official uniform remains valid.
Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Biobele Georgewill, with Justice K.I. Amadi held that ISI is a private institution and not a public school.
The court further ruled that the Supreme Court’s decision allowing the use of hijab in public schools in Lagos state does not extend to private schools.
Justice Georgewill also held that the students voluntarily accepted the school’s rules and regulations, including its dress code, upon admission, and were therefore bound by those conditions.
Justice Fadawu Umar in a dissenting judgment maintained that the appeal lacked merit and should have been dismissed, thereby upholding the earlier decision of the High Court.
Meanwhile, the management of the International School, University of Ibadan has disclosed that the school will commence an immediate implementation of no wearing of hijab and headscarf on school uniform as from Monday, July 6
The management in a message sent to parents and guardians of its students on whatsapp platform said, the school, which the court has described as a private school expects all students to comply with the rules and regulations.
“Following the judgement of the Court of Appeal delivered on Friday, 3 July 2026, declaring The International School, University of Ibadan, a private school, all students are required to comply with the rules and regulations of the School.
“Accordingly, with effect from Monday, 6 July 2026, no student will be allowed to wear a hijab with the school uniform.Parents and guardians are kindly requested to ensure that their children comply with this directive. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.”