The Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) must allow female corps members to wear skirts instead of the mandatory trousers, declaring the NYSC’s policy unconstitutional and a violation of fundamental rights to freedom of religion.
In a landmark judgment delivered on Friday, Justice Amina Shehu held that the NYSC’s strict enforcement of its uniform policy, which requires female corps members to wear trousers, infringes on the religious freedoms guaranteed under Section 38 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria. The case was brought by several female corps members who argued that wearing trousers conflicted with their religious beliefs, which mandate the use of skirts for modesty.
The court ordered the NYSC to amend its dress code to accommodate female corps members who wish to wear skirts that align with their religious practices, provided the skirts meet the scheme’s standards of decency and uniformity. The ruling also directed the NYSC to provide alternative uniform options within three months and to cease any punitive actions, such as decamping or disciplining corps members, for adhering to their religious dress requirements.
The plaintiffs, represented by human rights lawyer Fatima Abubakar, celebrated the verdict as a victory for religious freedom and gender inclusivity. “This decision upholds the constitutional rights of Nigerian youths to practice their faith without discrimination,” Abubakar stated outside the courtroom.
NYSC spokesperson, Adeola Johnson, said the organization respects the court’s decision and is reviewing the judgment to determine the next steps. “We are committed to fostering unity and discipline while respecting the rights of all corps members,” Johnson noted.
The ruling has sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians praising the court for protecting religious diversity, while others expressed concerns about maintaining uniformity in the NYSC program. Legal experts suggest this decision could set a precedent for similar cases involving dress codes and religious expression in public institutions.
The NYSC, established in 1973, mandates a one-year service period for Nigerian graduates, during which corps members wear a standardized uniform, including khaki trousers, as part of its regimented structure. This ruling marks a significant shift in accommodating personal beliefs within the scheme’s framework.
