MURIC Asks Oyo to Issue Circular Implementing Hijab Ruling in Public Schools
In an October 22 letter, the group urged the education ministry to notify school administrators of the court decision affirming Muslim students’ right to wear hijab
By Abdullahi Yusuf
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Oyo State chapter, has asked the state government to issue an official circular implementing a High Court judgment affirming the right of female Muslim students to wear the hijab in government-owned public schools.
In a letter dated October 22, 2026, and addressed to the state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, the organisation called for immediate administrative action to communicate the ruling to education authorities, school principals, headteachers and other administrators across the state.
The judgment, delivered on July 20, 2026, by the High Court of Justice, Iyaganku, Ibadan, presided over by Justice Y. S. Adekunle, was in Suit No. I/47/2026, Sumaiya Ayanrinde & 4 Ors. v. Governor of Oyo State & 3 Ors.
According to MURIC, the court affirmed the constitutional rights of female Muslim students to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, freedom from discrimination, and access to education. The organisation said the court also directed the state government to issue a circular permitting eligible Muslim students to wear the hijab as part of their approved school uniform.
MURIC urged the ministry to work with relevant education authorities to ensure that the directive reaches all government-owned public schools, including those historically known as missionary schools.
The group warned that the absence of a clear and uniform official directive could create uncertainty among school administrators and expose Muslim students to restrictions or discrimination.
In the letter, signed by its Oyo State chapter General Secretary, Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, MURIC said its request was aimed at securing compliance with the court’s decision and protecting constitutionally guaranteed rights.
It stressed that the appeal was not intended to create religious division or confer an advantage on any religious group, but to promote fairness, religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in schools.
MURIC also called on the commissioner to treat the matter as a priority and inform the organisation of the steps taken towards implementation. It said a copy of the judgment was attached to the letter for reference and necessary action.
The July ruling followed a suit brought by five applicants against the Oyo State Government and other state officials over the right of female Muslim students to wear the hijab in government-owned public schools.
MURIC said prompt implementation would demonstrate the state government’s commitment to constitutional governance, respect for the judiciary and the protection of citizens’ rights irrespective of their religious beliefs.
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