A recent court ruling permitting female members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to wear skirts for religious reasons has sparked widespread debate, drawing both applause and criticism across the country.
The Federal High Court in Abuja, in a landmark judgment delivered by Justice Hauwa Yilwa on June 13, ruled that the NYSC’s compulsory trouser-only policy for women violated constitutional rights to freedom of religion and human dignity. The court held that female corps members with genuine religious objections must be allowed to wear skirts during their service year.
The judgment followed suits filed by former corps members Blessing Ogunjobi and Vivian Ayuba, who argued that wearing trousers contravened their Christian faith, referencing Deuteronomy 22:5. The court consolidated both cases and ruled in their favour, awarding each N500,000 in damages and ordering the NYSC to recall them and issue their certificates.
Reactions to the ruling have been sharply divided. Supporters hailed the decision as a major victory for religious freedom. “I admire the courage of the plaintiffs,” said Juliet Ogunsaya, a former corps member. “This is about standing up for your beliefs, especially after facing humiliation for it.”
Others, however, expressed serious concerns. “This scheme is paramilitary in nature,” said StellaMaris Akubuike. “A uniform must be respected. Wearing a skirt during physical activities like Man ‘O’ War or rope climbing is impractical and undermines the discipline NYSC represents.”
Some warned the ruling could open the door to uniform chaos. “What happens if another group demands to wear wrappers instead?” asked Mr Dominic Bassey. “This could spiral into a breakdown of cohesion within the NYSC.”
Legal analysts say the judgment marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s constitutional interpretation, setting a precedent on the tension between institutional rules and individual rights.
While implementation remains unclear, the ruling challenges NYSC to rethink its long-held policies and consider how best to reconcile national unity with respect for diverse religious identities.
