A Federal High Court ruling delivered on June 13 by Justice Hauwa Yilwa has sparked nationwide debate after it affirmed that female members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) may wear skirts instead of trousers for religious reasons.
The court held that the NYSC policy requiring female corps members to wear trousers was a violation of their constitutional rights, specifically the freedom of religion and human dignity.
Justice Yilwa ruled, “A declaration that the refusal to allow skirts for religious purposes is unconstitutional. An order mandating the NYSC to recognise and permit the use of skirts for female corps members with genuine religious objections.”
The decision came after two former corps members; Miss Blessing Ogunjobi and Miss Vivian Ayuba filed separate suits which were later consolidated due to similarities.
Both women argued that wearing trousers was contrary to their Christian faith, citing Deuteronomy 22:5, which they interpreted as forbidding women from dressing in men’s clothing.
Justice Yilwa ruled in their favour, stating, “The action of the respondents resulted in the applicants being embarrassed and humiliated.”
“This is an outright infringement of their fundamental rights.”
The court ordered the NYSC to recall the affected corps members and reissue their service certificates.
Each applicant was awarded ₦500,000 in damages for the violation of their rights.
Though they had sought ₦10 million each, the court deemed the awarded amount appropriate.
Juliet Ogunsaya, a former corps member who served in Enugu State, welcomed the judgment.
“I find the case and judgment really interesting, and I admire the courage of the plaintiffs to take on such an institution as the NYSC, and I’m glad they won. Especially because they allegedly have been harassed, embarrassed, and humiliated,” she said.
She added, “Personally, I believe that the NYSC has outlived its original objective, and as such, should no longer be mandatory but voluntary for those who want to.”
“However, I feel that because it is a paramilitary scheme, it is important to adhere to an appropriate uniform, lest it become a free-for-all.” Reflecting on camp activities, she joked,
“On a lighter note, I wonder how the ladies during my time would have managed the physical exercises, including climbing a rope line while wearing skirts.”
Not everyone shares Ogunsaya’s enthusiasm. StellaMaris Akubuike voiced her concerns, noting, “The judgment is not sitting well with me due to the fact that there is a law backing the formation of the NYSC as well as its dress code.”
“The NYSC is paramilitary, and the sacredness of its dress code should be adhered to rather than taking laws into one’s hands by going against the rules.”
She questioned the practicality of skirts for physical drills.
