A Federal High Court in Abuja has declared the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)’s refusal to allow female corps members to wear skirts as unconstitutional and a breach of their fundamental right to freedom of religion.
The judgment, delivered by Justice Hauwa Joseph Yilwa, held that mandating trousers as the only approved uniform for female corps members goes against their constitutionally protected right to practice and express their religious beliefs.
The consolidated suits were brought by two former corps members, Miss Ogunjobi John Blessing and Miss Ayuba Vivian, both of whom are members of the Deeper Life Christian Church.
Citing Deuteronomy 22:5, which prohibits women from wearing garments associated with men, they argued that being compelled to wear trousers violated their Christian faith.
The court agreed, declaring that the NYSC’s action infringed on the applicants’ rights under Section 38(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and subjected them to harassment and degrading treatment during their service year.
In a judgment delivered on June 13 and 14, 2025, a certified true copy of which surfaced at the weekend, Justice Yilwa ruled in favour of the applicants, stressing that the NYSC’s enforcement of its dress code constituted religious discrimination.
“The action of the Respondents resulted in the Applicants being embarrassed and humiliated. This is an outright infringement of their fundamental rights,” Justice Yilwa stated.
The court also ruled that NYSC must recognise and permit the use of skirts by female corps members who have genuine religious objections to wearing trousers.
It further ordered the NYSC to recall the affected former corps members and issue them their certificates. Justice Yilwa awarded ₦500,000 in damages to each applicant for the violation of their rights. While both had initially demanded ₦10 million in compensation, the court ruled that ₦500,000 was sufficient under the circumstances.
Listed as respondents in the suits were the NYSC and its Director-General. The legal action was brought under the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009, Sections 38 and 42 of the Nigerian Constitution, and multiple articles of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The ruling has now set a precedent that challenges the NYSC’s longstanding dress policy, especially when it conflicts with religious convictions.
