Sh*cking Ruling: NYSC Must Permit Female Corps Members To Wear Skirts – Court Declares

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) must permit female corps members to wear skirts if their religious beliefs prohibit the wearing of trousers.

According to The Guardian, the judgment followed a lawsuit filed by two former corps members, Miss Ogunjobi John Blessing and Miss Ayuba Vivian, who challenged the NYSC’s refusal to allow them complete their service year in skirts.

As reported by Naija News, the court held that the NYSC’s policy mandating trousers violated the women’s constitutional rights to freedom of religion and human dignity.

The two applicants, who declined to wear trousers due to their Christian faith, were denied their certificates upon completion of the programme. Presiding over the case, Justice Hauwa Joseph Yilwa ruled that NYSC must accommodate such religious convictions and allow the wearing of skirts as an alternative.

The court further ordered the NYSC to recall the two women and issue them their service certificates.

Although the applicants had sought ₦10 million each in damages, the court awarded ₦500,000 to each for the emotional distress and humiliation they endured. The judge also condemned NYSC’s action as discriminatory and a breach of their right to freely practice their religion without punishment or intimidation.