VIDEO: Update from UI International School Hijab Saga
Muslim female students of the International School, University of Ibadan (ISI), who voluntarily wear the hijab in line with their religious beliefs, were allowed into the school premises on Monday, July 6, despite Friday's Court of Appeal judgment overturning the earlier High Court decision that permitted the use of the hijab at the school.
The students arrived at the school accompanied by their parents and guardians. There was an initial attempt by security personnel to prevent them from entering, but they were eventually granted access while wearing their hijabs.
Some of the students, who appeared apprehensive during the encounter at the school gate, briefly removed their hijabs before putting them back on and proceeding into the school.
Friday's judgment by the Court of Appeal, sitting in Ibadan, set aside the Oyo State High Court's ruling that had declared the school's prohibition of the hijab unconstitutional. In a split decision of two to one, the appellate court held that the Supreme Court's decision permitting the use of the hijab applies only to public schools and not to private institutions such as the International School, University of Ibadan.
The ruling has since attracted mixed reactions. While the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has announced plans to challenge the judgment at the Supreme Court, the Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) has also backed the move and called for stronger protection of the religious rights of Muslim students.
Monday's development marks the first school day after the Court of Appeal's judgment as the dispute appears set for a final determination by the Supreme Court. – Muslim News Nigeria
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