Court Awards N240,000 to UI School in Hijab Hearing Delay

Discover the recent court ruling that awards N240,000 to the UI School in a hearing delay related to the issue of hijab. In a recent ruling, an Oyo State High Court in Ibadan, the state capital, awarded a sum of N240,000 against the University of Ibadan International School Ibadan (ISI) over a long-standing hijab controversy. The case involves a group of female Muslim students who alleged that the school infringed on their fundamental human rights by denying them the right to wear hijabs as part of their school uniform.

Justice Moshood Ishola presided over the court proceedings and ruled against the school on Thursday, citing the institution’s delay in hearing the suit filed by the students. The University of Ibadan owns ISI, which is one of the secondary schools under its management. The hijab controversy has been ongoing since November 2018, with the case lingering in court ever since.

No fewer than 11 female Muslim students of ISI, along with the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), instituted the suit over the alleged refusal of the school to allow the students to wear hijabs. The list of students involved in the suit includes Faridah Akerele, Aaliyah Dopesi, Akhifah Dokpesi, Raheemah Akinlusi, Imam Akinoso, Hamdallah Olosunde, Aliyyah Adebayo, Moriddiyah Yekinni, Ikhlas Badiru, Mahmuda Babarinde, and Fareedah Moshood.

Yusuf Anikulapo, the counsel for the 12th applicant, MURIC, alleged that the respondents had caused unnecessary delays in the hearing of the matter. Justice Ishola, after listening to the submissions of all parties involved, awarded a cost of N20,000 against the 1st to 5th respondents. The award was granted in favor of each of the 12 applicants involved in the matter.

With the ruling in place, the court adjourned the case until May 4th, 2023, for the hearing of the substantive application. This case represents an ongoing struggle for religious expression in educational institutions, as students seek the right to wear attire that reflects their religious beliefs without violating school policies.

Related: Nike Releases Its First Sports Hijab For Muslim Athletes

Hijab Controversy at Uni. of Ibadan: Religious Freedom in Nigerian Schools

The University of Ibadan International School, an elite secondary institution, has been at the center of the hijab controversy since 2018, prompting debates and discussions regarding religious freedom in Nigerian schools. The verdict in this case, which imposes financial penalties on the school for delaying the hearing, may serve as a catalyst for future discussions and possible policy changes regarding religious attire in educational settings.

As the matter remains unresolved, the upcoming hearing on May 4th, 2023, may provide further clarity on the legal standing of religious attire in educational institutions. The outcome could potentially impact not only the University of Ibadan International School but also other schools across Nigeria facing similar issues.

In conclusion, the recent ruling by the Oyo State High Court against the University of Ibadan International School highlights the ongoing struggle for religious expression in Nigerian educational institutions. With the court imposing financial penalties for delaying the hearing, the upcoming proceedings on May 4th, 2023, are anticipated to offer further insight into the legal status of religious attire in schools and the potential implications for institutions nationwide. This court ruling on the Hijab Hearing Delay serves as a precedent, shedding light on the crucial significance of timely hearings and the recognition of religious rights in the pursuit of justice.