A Federal High Court in Abuja has declared the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) ban on the wearing of skirts by female corps members unconstitutional, ruling that it violates their fundamental rights to freedom of religion and human dignity.
The judgment, delivered by Justice Hauwa Joseph Yilwa, followed two separate suits filed by former corps members, Miss Ogunjobi John Blessing and Miss Ayuba Vivian. Both women had challenged the NYSC’s policy of mandating trousers as the only acceptable uniform for female participants, arguing that it conflicted with their Christian beliefs.
In her ruling, Justice Yilwa held that the NYSC’s refusal to permit the wearing of skirts infringed on the applicants’ rights under Sections 38 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). She also described the policy as degrading and discriminatory.
“The action of the NYSC resulted in the applicants being embarrassed and humiliated. This is an outright infringement of their fundamental rights,” the judge stated.
The court granted all the reliefs sought by the applicants, including:
A declaration that the NYSC’s refusal to allow female corps members to wear skirts for religious reasons is unconstitutional.
An order directing the NYSC to recognise and permit the use of skirts by female corps members who object to trousers on religious grounds.
A directive for the NYSC to recall the affected former corps members and issue them their service certificates.
A compensation award of ₦500,000 each to the applicants for the violation of their rights.
Although the applicants had demanded ₦10 million in damages each, the court ruled that ₦500,000 was appropriate under the circumstances.
The NYSC and its Director-General were listed as respondents in the suit. As of the time of this report, the NYSC has not issued an official statement regarding the ruling.
Legal observers say the judgment may compel the NYSC to review its uniform policy and accommodate religious diversity within the scheme.
