The Oyo State High Court sitting at Iyaganku, Ibadan, will on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, deliver judgment in a landmark suit challenging the restriction on the use of the Islamic hijab by Muslim schoolgirls in some government-owned schools in the state.
The case, scheduled for 9:00 a.m. at Court 17, is widely regarded as a significant legal test of the constitutional rights of Muslim students, particularly on issues relating to freedom of religion, equality before the law and religious accommodation in public educational institutions.
The suit, marked No. 47/2026, was instituted by five Muslim schoolgirls through their guardians against the Oyo State Government and relevant education authorities.
The claimants are seeking judicial determination over what they describe as the denial of their constitutional right to wear the Islamic hijab alongside their school uniforms in certain government-owned schools with historical ties to Christian missionary organisations.
The defendants in the suit include the Governor of Oyo State, the state’s Commissioner for Education, the Attorney-General of Oyo State and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education.
Ahead of the judgment, members of the Muslim community in Oyo State have been urged to attend the proceedings peacefully and in an orderly manner as a demonstration of respect for the judiciary and confidence in the rule of law.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, a member of the Oyo State Muslim Community, described the case as one with far-reaching implications for the protection of fundamental rights and religious freedom in Nigeria’s public education system.
He appealed to all intending attendees to remain law-abiding, comply with all directives from court officials and security agencies, and maintain peace throughout the proceedings.
Agunbiade also expressed hope that the court’s verdict would uphold justice in line with the provisions of the Constitution, fairness, equity and the rule of law.
The judgment is expected to attract wide public attention, given its potential impact on future policies concerning religious expression and students’ rights in public schools across Oyo State and beyond.
