The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) has lauded the ruling of
the High Court of Justice in Iyaganku, Ibadan, Oyo State, that Muslim female students have the constitutional right to wear the hijab in government-owned public schools across Oyo State, including those with missionary heritage.
In a judgment delivered on Monday, July 20, 2026, by Hon. Justice Y. S. Adekunle, the court affirmed that the Nigerian Constitution’s guarantees of religious freedom, equality, and non-discrimination take precedence over any school policies, traditions, or administrative directives that prohibit the hijab.
MPAC, while welcoming it as a “landmark judgment,” said the ruling reinforces the principle that public schools funded by the government must serve all citizens without religious exclusion.
MPAC, in a statement by its Executive Chairman Disu Kamor, said “For years, Muslim students and their parents have been compelled to endure discrimination, exclusion and unnecessary litigation simply for seeking to exercise rights guaranteed by the Constitution. Today’s judgment vindicates that confidence in the judicial process.”
It added that “This is not a victory of one religion over another. Rather, it is a victory for the Constitution and for every Nigerian who believes that no citizen should suffer discrimination on account of his or her religious beliefs.”
Read the full statement below:
THE CONSTITUTION HAS SPOKEN: OYO COURT AFFIRMS HIJAB RIGHTS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Lagos, Monday, 20/07/2026
The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) warmly welcomes the landmark judgment delivered by the High Court of Justice, Iyaganku, Ibadan, presided over by Hon. Justice Y. S. Adekunle, affirming the constitutional right of eligible Muslim female students to wear the hijab in Government-owned public schools across Oyo State, including schools with missionary heritage.
Today’s judgment sends a clear and unmistakable message: the Constitution remains supreme, and no policy, tradition or administrative directive can override the fundamental rights it guarantees. By affirming the right of Muslim schoolgirls to manifest their faith through the wearing of the hijab, the Court has reinforced the principles of justice, equality, religious freedom and the rule of law upon which our democracy is founded.
For years, Muslim students and their parents have been compelled to endure discrimination, exclusion and unnecessary litigation simply for seeking to exercise rights guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Rather than resorting to confrontation or self-help, they placed their confidence in the judicial process. Today’s judgment vindicates that confidence and demonstrates that lawful advocacy remains the most effective pathway to securing justice in a democratic society.
The significance of this judgment extends far beyond the hijab. It is a powerful reaffirmation that Government-owned public schools belong to all Nigerians, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or historical affiliation. Once an institution is owned and funded by the Government, it must be administered in accordance with the Constitution and not in a manner that promotes exclusion or undermines the rights of any group of citizens.
MPAC particularly welcomes the Court’s directive requiring the Oyo State Government to issue an official circular permitting eligible Muslim female students to wear the hijab in Government-owned public schools, as well as the order restraining the continued enforcement of unconstitutional policies. We call on the Oyo State Government to comply fully and without delay. Respect for court judgments is not discretionary; it is a constitutional obligation and a defining feature of responsible democratic governance.
We congratulate the Muslim parents, students and community leaders whose patience, resilience and unwavering commitment to peaceful and lawful engagement made this historic outcome possible. Their perseverance has contributed significantly to the advancement of constitutional jurisprudence on religious freedom and equal citizenship in Nigeria.
MPAC equally commends the legal team for its exceptional professionalism, diligence and steadfast commitment to defending the constitutional rights of Muslim schoolgirls. We also salute Hon. Justice Y. S. Adekunle for delivering a courageous and well-reasoned judgment that further strengthens public confidence in the judiciary as the guardian of constitutional rights and the last hope of the common citizen.
We urge school administrators, education authorities, religious leaders, parents and all stakeholders to receive this judgment with wisdom, maturity and respect for the rule of law. This is not a victory of one religion over another. Rather, it is a victory for the Constitution and for every Nigerian who believes that no citizen should suffer discrimination on account of his or her religious beliefs. When the rights of one group are protected, the freedoms of all citizens are strengthened.
As Muslims across Oyo State and Nigeria celebrate this important constitutional milestone, MPAC urges that the celebrations be conducted peacefully, responsibly and with gratitude to Almighty Allah (SWT). This judgment is not an invitation to triumphalism but a reaffirmation that justice is best pursued through lawful advocacy, principled engagement and unwavering confidence in the judiciary.
While we celebrate today’s victory, we remain hopeful that this marks another important step towards the full protection of the constitutional rights of Muslim students across Nigeria. We therefore look forward with optimism to the hearing of the appeal in the International School Ibadan (ISI) hijab case, scheduled for 7 October 2026. We pray that Almighty Allah (SWT), the Most Just and the Best of Judges, grants justice to the Muslim students, guides the Honourable Justices in their deliberations, and crowns years of patience, sacrifice and lawful struggle with another victory that further strengthens the constitutional guarantees of religious freedom, equality and justice for all Nigerians.
MPAC remains steadfast in its commitment to defending constitutional liberties, advancing religious freedom, promoting good governance and fostering peaceful coexistence in a Nigeria where justice, equality and the rule of law are not merely constitutional ideals but everyday realities.
“Indeed, Allah commands justice, excellence and kindness…” (Qur’an 16:90).
-The End-
Disu Kamor
Executive Chairman,
Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC), Nigeria
Kamor.disu@mpac-ng.org
www.mpac-ng.org