In a landmark ruling, the Federal High Court in Abuja has declared that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) policy mandating trousers as the only uniform option for female corps members is unconstitutional and violates the right to freedom of religion.
Justice Hauwa Yilwa delivered the judgment on June 13, 2025, in a consolidated suit filed by two former corps members, Miss Ogunjobi Blessing and Miss Ayuba Vivian, who challenged the NYSC’s refusal to allow them wear skirts during their service year, citing their Christian beliefs.
The applicants argued that wearing trousers conflicted with their religious convictions, referencing Deuteronomy 22:5, which they interpret as a biblical prohibition against women wearing clothing traditionally associated with men.
In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/989/2020 and FHC/ABJ/CS/988/2020, the NYSC and its Director-General were listed as respondents.
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Justice Yilwa ruled that: “The refusal of the NYSC to allow female corps members wear skirts on religious grounds constitutes a violation of their constitutionally protected rights to freedom of religion, human dignity, and protection from degrading treatment.”
The court granted all the reliefs sought by the applicants, including: Recognition and allowance of skirts as a uniform option for female corps members with religious objections; An order compelling NYSC to recall the affected ex-corps members and issue their NYSC discharge certificates; A declaration that the harassment, humiliation, and embarrassment they endured at the hands of NYSC officials was unlawful.
Although the applicants sought ₦10 million each in damages, the court awarded ₦500,000 each, describing it as adequate under the circumstances.
The case was pursued under the 2009 Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, Sections 38 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and relevant articles of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
This ruling is expected to reshape NYSC’s dress code policy, particularly for female corps members who hold strong religious views about modest dressing.
As of press time, the NYSC is yet to issue an official response.