COURT DECLARES NYSC’S BAN ON FEMALE SKIRTS UNCONSTITUTIONAL

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has delivered a landmark judgment against the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), declaring its policy mandating trousers as the only official uniform for female corps members unconstitutional and discriminatory.
The judgment was issued by Justice Hauwa Yilwa, who ruled in favour of two Christian ex-corps members — Miss Ogunjobi John Blessing and Miss Ayuba Vivian — who were both denied their discharge certificates after refusing to wear trousers, citing religious objections rooted in their Christian faith. Both had relied on scriptural injunctions from Deuteronomy 22:5, which prohibits women from wearing garments traditionally associated with men.
In her ruling, Justice Yilwa condemned the NYSC’s action as a violation of the applicants’ fundamental rights to human dignity, freedom of religion, and freedom from discrimination. She stated that it amounted to harassment, intimidation, and degrading treatment. The court awarded ₦500,000 in damages to each applicant and ordered the NYSC to recall both ex-corps members and issue them their discharge certificates without further delay.
Legal experts have hailed the ruling as a bold assertion of constitutional protections in the face of institutional overreach, particularly in a country where state policies sometimes override personal religious freedoms. The ruling is also expected to ignite fresh debates around religious inclusion, civil liberties, and the scope of uniformity in public service programs.
The NYSC is yet to issue an official response.