MURIC seeks peaceful conduct ahead of landmark UI-ISI hijab judgment today 

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Oyo State Chapter, has appealed to members of the Muslim community and the general public to remain peaceful and law-abiding as the Court of Appeal, Ibadan Division, delivers judgment today in the long-running legal dispute over the use of the hijab by willing Muslim female students of the International School, University of Ibadan (ISI).

The group made the appeal in a statement issued on Thursday, confirming that the appellate court had fixed Friday, July 3, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. for the delivery of judgment in the appeals arising from the controversial hijab case.

Describing the ruling as a landmark decision, MURIC said the matter extends beyond the affected students and touches on the constitutional guarantee of freedom of religion and the rights of Muslims to practise their faith without discrimination in educational institutions.

The organisation noted that the legal battle has attracted widespread public attention over the years, becoming one of Nigeria’s most significant court cases on religious freedom in schools.

It commended the parents of the affected students, members of the Muslim Ummah, legal practitioners and other supporters for remaining patient, peaceful and respectful of the judicial process throughout the litigation.

MURIC urged Muslim parents, community leaders and lovers of justice who intend to attend the court proceedings to conduct themselves with decorum and avoid any actions capable of disrupting public peace, irrespective of the outcome of the judgment.

“We respectfully call on all concerned Muslim parents, members of the Ummah and lovers of justice to be present at the Court of Appeal, Ibadan Division, by 9:00 a.m. to witness the delivery of this historic judgment. We also urge everyone to conduct themselves peacefully, maintain decorum and continue to uphold the rule of law irrespective of the outcome,” the statement said.

The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing the protection and advancement of the constitutional rights and religious freedoms of Nigerian Muslims through lawful and legitimate means.

The hijab dispute at the International School, University of Ibadan, has remained a subject of national debate since Muslim parents challenged the school’s policy restricting female students from wearing the hijab. The case has moved through the courts over several years and is expected to clarify important constitutional questions relating to religious freedom, students’ rights and the authority of educational institutions.

With judgment set for today, stakeholders across religious, legal and educational circles are expected to closely monitor the outcome, which could shape future decisions on religious expression in schools across Nigeria.