The Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan has fixed hearing in the substantive appeals filed over the use of hijab at the University of Ibadan International School, Ibadan (ISI), for Thursday, May 21, 2036.
The appellate court took the decision on Tuesday.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Oyo State chapter of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC).
MURIC said the substantive hearing could not go on as earlier scheduled due to several pending applications filed before the court in the various appeal suits connected to the hijab controversy.
MURIC explained that during Tuesday’s sitting, the court entertained arguments from counsel on all pending applications except an application filed by the 1st Respondent challenging the competence of the Notice and Brief of Argument submitted by the 5th and 6th Respondents in each of the appeals.
The organisation stated that after listening to submissions from the parties involved, the court directed that the application filed by the 1st Respondent would be considered alongside the substantive hearing of the appeals.
“As a result, the matter was adjourned to Thursday, 21st May, 2026, for the hearing of the substantive appeals and the outstanding application,” the statement noted.
The legal battle over the use of hijab at ISI has continued to attract public attention and generated debates on religious freedom, students’ rights, and school regulations in Nigeria.
Reacting to the latest development, MURIC said it remained confident in the judicial process and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the constitutional rights of Muslim students who choose to wear the hijab in educational institutions.
The group also urged members of the Muslim community and supporters of the cause to remain peaceful and law-abiding while awaiting the court’s decision.
“We call on members of the Muslim Ummah and all advocates of justice to remain calm, steadfast, peaceful, and prayerful as the legal proceedings continue,” the statement added.
The statement was signed by Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, General Secretary of MURIC, Oyo State Chapter.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
