ISI Muslim Parents Forum to Challenge Hijab Ban Ruling

The ISI Muslim Parents Forum (ISIMPF) has announced its intention to challenge a Supreme Court ruling that upheld a hijab ban for female Muslim students at the University of Ibadan International School (ISI UI). This decision follows a lengthy seven-year legal battle initiated by 11 female Muslim students.

The Supreme Court ruled 2-1 in favor of the school, with Justice Biobel Georgewil leading the judgment. The court noted that ISI UI, as a private institution not receiving government funding, is not bound by the Supreme Court's 2022 ruling that allowed hijab use in public schools in Lagos State.

The court emphasized that students waive their rights to religious expression by signing the school's code of conduct, which includes compliance with uniform policies. However, the court found fault with ISI UI for locking students in the library for three to four hours, describing it as a violation of rights and awarding damages of N1 million, with N200,000 being a minor judgment.

Abdur Rahman Balogun, chairman of ISIMPF, expressed disappointment over the ruling but vowed to continue the struggle.