Court Rules NYSC Must Allow Female Corps Members Wear Skirts for Religious Reasons
A Federal High Court has ruled that NYSC violated two women’s rights by banning skirts during service.
The judge ordered compensation and upheld their freedom to dress in line with religious beliefs.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) violated the rights of two former corps members by not allowing them to wear skirts, which they said was in line with their religious beliefs.
In a judgment delivered on June 13, 2025, Justice Hauwa Yilwa said the NYSC’s rule requiring female corps members to wear trousers is unconstitutional. The judge stated that this policy goes against the right to freedom of religion and human dignity as guaranteed by Nigeria’s constitution.
The case was filed by Miss Ogunjobi Blessing and Miss Ayuba Vivian, who argued that wearing trousers was against their Christian faith. They cited a Bible verse, Deuteronomy 22:5, which they believe prohibits women from wearing men’s clothing.
The suits, originally filed separately, were later combined due to their similar nature. The applicants brought the case under various sections of the 1999 Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. They also relied on the NYSC Bye-Laws of 1993.
They asked the court to declare that forcing them to wear trousers was a violation of their religious rights and to compel the NYSC to allow skirts as part of the official uniform for female corps members with religious objections. They also asked for ₦10 million in damages.
Justice Yilwa agreed with the applicants and granted all their requests. She ruled that the NYSC must allow female corps members to wear skirts if it aligns with their religious beliefs. She also ordered the NYSC to recall the two former corps members and issue them their certificates.
The judge awarded ₦500,000 to each applicant as compensation for the emotional distress, harassment, and humiliation they suffered during their service year.
The court found that denying them the right to complete their service based on their clothing choice amounted to religious discrimination and a breach of their fundamental rights.
“This is a clear violation of their constitutional rights,” Justice Yilwa said in her ruling.