The Oyo State High Court in Ibadan has dismissed an application by the International School Ibadan (ISI) to stay a previous ruling permitting female Muslim students to wear hijabs with their school uniforms.

The court, presided over by Justice Moshood Ishola, upheld his original decision from May 22, stating that it would be improper for the High Court to rule on an application now before the Court of Appeal.

Justice Ishola concluded that the case lacked merit, as it would undermine established rules on judicial procedure. The application, which aimed to prevent hijab usage in ISI until an appeal decision, was dismissed as an unnecessary attempt to hinder the enforcement of fundamental rights granted in the initial ruling.

Abdur-Rahman Balogun, chairman of the ISI Muslim Parents Forum, praised the decision, describing it as a positive step for student rights. He highlighted the school’s harmonious environment, citing the 2024 Yearbook as evidence of peaceful coexistence among students of all backgrounds.