By Mallam Ibrahim Ogunbiade

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Oyo State Chapter, has noted with concern the public notice issued by the Management of the International School, University of Ibadan (ISI), directing that, with effect from Monday, 6th July, 2026, no female student will be allowed to wear the hijab with the school uniform, purportedly based on the judgment of the Court of Appeal delivered on Friday, 3rd July, 2026.

While we respect the judiciary and remain committed to the rule of law, we wish to inform the general public that The Incorporated Trustees of Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) have, on the same day, Friday, 3rd July, 2026, duly filed and served a Notice of Appeal against the judgment, together with a Motion for Stay of Execution/Injunction Pending Appeal before the appropriate court.

The filing and service of these processes signify that the legal contest is far from concluded. The issues surrounding the rights of Muslim female students to wear the hijab remain subject to further judicial consideration. In the circumstances, it is our considered view that it would be inappropriate and prejudicial for the school management to hurriedly implement the judgment by enforcing a ban on the use of the hijab before the court has had the opportunity to determine the pending Motion for Stay of Execution/Injunction.

MURIC has always maintained that the protection of fundamental rights and the preservation of peaceful coexistence are best achieved through strict adherence to due process and respect for judicial proceedings. We therefore urge the Management of the International School, University of Ibadan to act with restraint, uphold the rule of law, and refrain from taking any step capable of rendering the pending application nugatory or escalating avoidable tension within the school community.

We equally appeal to Muslim parents, guardians, students, and the entire Muslim Ummah to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding. There should be no resort to confrontation or any act capable of disrupting public peace. We are confident that the courts will, in due course, give all parties a fair hearing in accordance with the Constitution and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

MURIC reassures Muslim parents and the general public that we remain resolute in the lawful defence of the constitutional rights of Muslim students. We shall continue to pursue this matter through every legitimate legal avenue until justice is served.

May Allah grant justice, protect our children, and continue to strengthen the unity and peace of our dear nation.

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Oyo State Chapter