Hajibolah

PRESS RELEASE: *THE CONSTITUTION HAS SPOKEN: OYO COURT AFFIRMS HIJAB RIGHTS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS* Lagos, Monday, 20/07/2026 The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) warmly welcomes the landmark judgment delivered by the High Court of Justice, Iyaganku, Ibadan, presided over by Hon. Justice Y. S. Adekunle, affirming the constitutional right of eligible Muslim female students to wear the hijab in Government-owned public schools across Oyo State, including schools with missionary heritage. Today's judgment sends a clear and unmistakable message: the Constitution remains supreme, and no policy, tradition or administrative directive can override the fundamental rights it guarantees. By affirming the right of Muslim schoolgirls to manifest their faith through the wearing of the hijab, the Court has reinforced the principles of justice, equality, religious freedom and the rule of law upon which our democracy is founded. For years, Muslim students and their parents have been compelled to endure discrimination, exclusion and unnecessary litigation simply for seeking to exercise rights guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Rather than resorting to confrontation or self-help, they placed their confidence in the judicial process. Today's judgment vindicates that confidence and demonstrates that lawful advocacy remains the most effective pathway to securing justice in a democratic society. The significance of this judgment extends far beyond the hijab. It is a powerful reaffirmation that Government-owned public schools belong to all Nigerians, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or historical affiliation. Once an institution is owned and funded by the Government, it must be administered in accordance with the Constitution and not in a manner that promotes exclusion or undermines the rights of any group of citizens. MPAC particularly welcomes the Court's directive requiring the Oyo State Government to issue an official circular permitting eligible Muslim female students to wear the hijab in Government-owned public schools, as well as the order restraining the continued enforcement of unconstitutional policies. We call on the Oyo State Government to comply fully and without delay. Respect for court judgments is not discretionary; it is a constitutional obligation and a defining feature of responsible democratic governance. We congratulate the Muslim parents, students and community leaders whose patience, resilience and unwavering commitment to peaceful and lawful engagement made this historic outcome possible. Their perseverance has contributed significantly to the advancement of constitutional jurisprudence on religious freedom and equal citizenship in Nigeria. MPAC equally commends the legal team for its exceptional professionalism, diligence and steadfast commitment to defending the constitutional rights of Muslim schoolgirls. We also salute Hon. Justice Y. S. Adekunle for delivering a courageous and well-reasoned judgment that further strengthens public confidence in the judiciary as the guardian of constitutional rights and the last hope of the common citizen. We urge school administrators, education authorities, religious leaders, parents and all stakeholders to receive this judgment with wisdom, maturity and respect for the rule of law. This is not a victory of one religion over another. Rather, it is a victory for the Constitution and for every Nigerian who believes that no citizen should suffer discrimination on account of his or her religious beliefs. When the rights of one group are protected, the freedoms of all citizens are strengthened. 1/2

Treat your girl-child with respect and honour, protect her and give her quality education.

Many non-Muslims seem to think that over two billion Muslims practise Islam to gain acceptance from Arabs or that one cannot be a true Muslim without submitting to Saudi Arabia. This assumption makes little sense. Most Muslims are not Arabs, have never been Arabs and have no desire to become Arabs. A Yorùbá Muslim is not Muslim to please an Arab. An Indonesian Muslim is not Muslim because of Saudi Arabia. A Pakistani Muslim does not pray five times a day seeking Arab approval. Muslims practise Islam because they believe in Allah and His Messenger (ṣallāLlāhu 'alayhi wa sallam), not because of any race, tribe or country. Islam is not submission to Arabs. Islam is submission to Allah.

Islam Islam Islam There is absolutely NO alternative. This is the natural path, the divine institution, the manual of life, the religion from the first day of creation, the only religion for the last day, and the only path to eternity in paradise. Dear God, we thank You for Islam. Let us live and die ONLY as Muslims with whom You are totally pleased. Āmīn 🤲 I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah. No god, no deity, no object, and item - living or not is worthy of worship. I affirm that Allah, the Creator of the heavens and earth alone deserves of our worship. I bear witness that Prophet Muhammad, and his brother-Prophets from Adam to Nūh, Idrīs, Ibrāhīm, Mūsā, and Jesus, and all other Prophets and Messengers (peace be upon all of them) were indeed sent by Allah with the same message of Lā ilāha illā Allah.

Dear Muslim, Now that we know that it pains Shaytan and the little Shayātin very badly when we speak of Islam, don't hold back on your Islam. Post it everyday like your breath depends on it. Affirm and reaffirm that it is the only true faith in the sight of God. Affirm and reaffirm the truth of Islam, spread its message and never shy to make it known that you are proud and grateful for being a Muslim. Let the little Shayātin feel the pain and never get healed from it until they respect your faith as you've always respected theirs. AlhamduliLlah for Islam. There will never be a blessing greater than being a Muslim. May we live and die ONLY as Muslims. Āmīn.