* Says verdict, ‘triumph for religious freedom, rule of law’
The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Area Unit, under the leadership of the Amir (President), Kamoldeen Abiona, celebrates another landmark judgment by the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan, which upheld the right of female Muslim students of the International School (ISI), University of Ibadan (UI) to wear the Hijab on their school uniforms.
The court, presided over by Justice Moshood Ishola, delivered this historic ruling on Wednesday afternoon, affirming the students’ fundamental human rights to freedom of religion and association as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
This judgment aligns with previous judgements and ultimately the rulings by the Supreme Court of Nigeria on similar matters, emphasising that public institutions must respect and uphold the religious rights of individuals.
The controversy surrounding the usage of the Hijab by female Muslim students at ISI began in November 2018, when the school administration denied some students the right to wear it. This led to legal action taken by the affected students and their parents against the school and the University of Ibadan. The students involved in the case included Faridah Akerele, Aaliyah Dopesi, Akhifah Dokpesi, Raheemah Akinlusi, Iman Akinoso, Hamdallah Olosunde, Aliyyah Adebayo, Moriddiyah Yekinni, Ikhlas Badiru, Mahmuda Babarinde, and Fareedah Moshood.
In his judgment, Justice Ishola highlighted that the school, as a public institution, does not have the authority to infringe upon the students’ inalienable rights. He emphasised that fundamental human rights cannot be overridden by any institution or government entity.
“The judgment is a victory for justice and the protection of individual rights in Nigeria”, Abiona stated.
“MSSN Lagos commends the judiciary for upholding the principles of justice and equality. This ruling is a significant step towards ensuring that Muslim students can freely practice their religion without fear of discrimination or punishment. It sets a precedent for other educational institutions to respect and accommodate the religious practices of all students.”
Amir Kamoldeen Abiona further stated that, “this judgment is a triumph for religious freedom and the rule of law in Nigeria. It reinforces the commitment of our judiciary to upholding the constitutional rights of every citizen. We urge all educational institutions to comply with this ruling and ensure that no student is denied their fundamental rights.”
The Amir thereafter extended deepest appreciation to the dedicated legal team, all participating organisations and all individuals that stood firm from the beginning of the ISI Hijab Crisis to its resolution.
“Your unwavering support and tireless efforts have been instrumental in achieving this significant victory. We especially thank the courageous Muslim students, their parents, the ISI Muslim Parents Forum, the Muslim Lawyers’ Association of Nigeria (MULAN), the Muslim Ummah of South-West Nigeria (MUSWEN), the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), the Oyo State Muslim Community, the Hijab Rights Advocacy Initiative (HRAI) and the MSSN Oyo Area Unit. Your commitment to justice and the protection of religious freedoms has set a powerful example for future generations.”
MSSN Lagos calls on educational institutions across the country to take note of this judgment and ensure that policies and practices are inclusive and respectful of the religious beliefs of all students. This will foster an environment of mutual respect and understanding, which is essential for the holistic development of students.
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