The Federal High Court in Abuja has made a historic ruling, allowing female National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to wear skirts as part of their uniform. The decision came after two ex-corps members challenged the NYSC’s policy of only allowing trousers.
Intel Region reports had it that, the court, presided by Justice Hauwa Joseph Yilwa had ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, citing violations of human rights and religious freedoms. The judgment has sparked national debate and marked a significant shift in the NYSC’s uniform policy. Here are five key reasons the court cited and declared the NYSC skirt ban unconstitutional
- It Violates Freedom of Religion (Section 38 of the Constitution)
The court ruled that forcing Christian women to wear trousers, despite their religious objections, infringes on their right to freely practice their faith. The applicants had cited Deuteronomy 22:5, which they interpret as forbidding women from wearing men’s clothing. The judge agreed that the NYSC failed to consider their religious convictions. - It Disregards Human Dignity
Justice Yilwa emphasized that the NYSC’s refusal to accommodate religious dress requests demeaned the dignity of the female corps members. By insisting on a uniform that made them uncomfortable and conflicted with their beliefs, the organization acted in a disrespectful and discriminatory manner. - No Legal Backing for Trousers-Only Policy
The court found that the NYSC had no statutory or constitutional backing to enforce a trousers-only dress code. The decision stressed that policy guidelines should not override fundamental human rights, especially in a diverse and multi-religious society like Nigeria. - The Policy Was Discriminatory and Unfair
The ruling concluded that NYSC’s uniform standard was not inclusive and disproportionately affected a minority group of women whose religious beliefs prohibit wearing trousers. The court stated that a public institution must accommodate diversity, especially where no threat to safety or public interest is posed. - Violation Warranted Compensation
Although the applicants demanded ₦10 million each in damages, the court awarded them N500,000 each for the emotional distress and constitutional breach suffered. The judge also ordered NYSC to recall the women and issue their certificates, which had previously been withheld.
This judgment is expected to reshape NYSC’s future uniform policies, particularly around religious accommodations. While NYSC is yet to release an official statement, public discourse is divided, some hail the verdict as a win for religious freedom, others worry about the implications for uniformity and discipline.
Nonetheless, the court’s decision marks a significant milestone in the legal protection of personal beliefs within Nigeria’s civic institutions.