The Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) violated the rights of two female corps members by refusing to allow them wear skirts during service.
The judgment, delivered by Justice Hauwa Yilwa on June 13, 2025, declared the NYSC’s policy unconstitutional.
The court said the NYSC’s insistence on trousers for female corps members breached their rights to freedom of religion and human dignity.
Miss Ogunjobi Blessing and Miss Ayuba Vivian, who were the applicants, had argued that wearing trousers contradicted their Christian beliefs.
“The refusal to allow skirts for religious purposes is unconstitutional,” the court ruled.
Applicants Win Case After Years of Legal Battle
The two former corps members filed separate suits in 2020, later consolidated due to their similarities. They cited Deuteronomy 22:5, which they interpret as forbidding women from wearing male garments.
They asked the court to compel NYSC to recognise skirts as part of the uniform and to award ₦10 million in damages. The applicants also sought protection from harassment and degrading treatment.
Justice Yilwa granted all their prayers. She ordered NYSC to recall the applicants and issue their certificates. She also awarded ₦500,000 in damages to each applicant.
“The actions of the respondents resulted in the applicants being embarrassed and humiliated. This is a blatant infringement of their fundamental rights,” the judge stated.
The court relied on Section 38(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the NYSC Bye-Laws. The judgement also referenced the Fundamental Rights Enforcement Procedure Rules 2009.
Implications for NYSC and Future Corps Members
The ruling sets a precedent for female corps members with genuine religious objections. NYSC must now permit skirts for those who request it on religious grounds.
The judgement has stirred debate across the country. Some see it as a win for religious freedom, while others worry about uniformity and discipline in the scheme.
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