Court orders NYSC to permit skirts for female corps members on religious grounds

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.

Top 10 States with the best NYSC Orientation Camps in Nigeria 2025

The latest National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) postings have, once again, sparked mixed feelings—especially among prospective corps members assigned to northern states.

With persistent security challenges like banditry and kidnapping, the appeal of the NYSC scheme has diminished for many. What once symbolised national unity and adventure now raises concerns about safety and distance from home. For a program that often sends young Nigerians to remote corners of the country, the excitement of national service can quickly be overshadowed by harsh realities.

Yet, despite ongoing calls for reforms—or even the scrapping—of the scheme, the NYSC remains a core part of Nigeria’s post-tertiary experience. Over the years, various states have made efforts to improve camp infrastructure, offering corps members a more comfortable and secure environment during their three-week orientation.

While no two camps offer exactly the same experience, some clearly stand out.

From cleaner facilities and reliable utilities to safer environments and better coordination, here are the Top 10 NYSC Orientation Camps in Nigeria for 2025—based on feedback, infrastructure, and overall organisation.

1. Ogun State – Sagamu Camp

Known for its neat environment, consistent power supply, and well-kept hostels, the Sagamu camp ranks high among corps members. Add quality meals and welcoming locals to the mix, and you have a great start to your service year.

2. Lagos State – Iyana Ipaja Camp

Highly competitive and well-secured, this camp benefits from being in Nigeria’s commercial capital. It boasts excellent coordination, networking opportunities, and top-tier facilities. However, getting posted here is tough due to high demand.

3. Plateau State – Mangu Camp

Set against a backdrop of beautiful scenery and cool weather, Mangu camp offers a peaceful and refreshing orientation experience. Its wide spaces and relaxed atmosphere make it a favourite among corps members.

Read Also: N77,000 allowance to commence in March, says NYSC DG

4. Akwa Ibom State – Nsit Atai Camp

Visually appealing and efficiently run, this camp offers modern amenities, constant water supply, and impressive cleanliness. The friendliness of locals also makes life in camp more enjoyable.

5. Cross River State – Obubra Camp

Calm, well-disciplined, and welcoming—Obubra camp in Cross River is noted for its orderly system and supportive camp officials. Corps members often describe their experience here as well-managed and memorable.

6. Enugu State – Awgu Camp

Awgu camp combines comfort with learning, offering good accommodation, sanitation, and engaging training workshops. The eastern hospitality makes it even more appealing for many first-timers.

7. Osun State – Ede Camp

If you’re looking for a balance between culture and structure, Ede camp delivers. Its lively social atmosphere, functional infrastructure, and cultural activities make it an all-round exciting orientation destination.

8. Anambra State – Umuawulu/Mbaukwu Camp

One of Nigeria’s newest and most modern NYSC camps, this facility boasts state-of-the-art infrastructure and excellent sanitation. The state government’s support enhances the overall comfort and safety of corps members.

9. Kwara State – Yikpata Camp

Located in a serene, nature-rich area, Yikpata camp is ideal for those seeking a peaceful and health-conscious environment. The camp’s structured daily routine adds to its appeal.

10. Rivers State – Nonwa-Gbam Tai Camp

Known for its strong sense of order, Nonwa-Gbam camp offers clean surroundings, efficient food distribution, and robust security measures. Its accessible location is another plus.

N77,000 allowance to commence in March, says NYSC DG

The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, has assured that the payment of the newly increased monthly allowance of N77,000 to corps members will begin in March.

This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday by the Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu.

Nafiu made the announcement while interacting with corps members at the NYSC Zonal Offices in Wuse and Garki, Federal Capital Territory.

He assured the corps members that both the scheme and the Federal Government were committed to their welfare and would continue prioritising their well-being.

Read Also: TIPS for corps members: NYSC releases call up letters for Batch B Stream II

“With effect from March, you are going to receive the sum of Seventy-Seven Thousand Naira as your monthly allowance.

“NYSC is good at record-keeping, and I can assure you that your money will be paid. The nation and the scheme appreciate you,” Nafiu said.

He thanked the corps members for their selfless service and encouraged them to remain calm, dedicated, focused, and disciplined.

Nafiu also emphasised the significance of the NYSC scheme, stating that it was an initiative that built bridges and exposed graduates to cultural values beyond their places of birth.

The Director-General further stated that the NYSC management would continue to instill virtues such as patriotism, discipline, self-restraint, good morals, leadership qualities, and teamwork in future batches.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Federal Government approved the increase in corps members’ monthly allowance to N77,000 in September 2024, with the new allowance taking effect from July 2024.

Prior to this increase, corps members received a monthly allowance of N33,000. The raise aligns with the enactment of the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024.(NAN)

TIPS for corps members: NYSC releases call up letters for Batch B Stream II

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has announced the release of the 2024 Batch ‘B’ Stream 2 call-up letters for prospective corps members.

This was announced in a series of posts on the NYSC’s official X handle on Monday, August 26.

The post stated that orientation camp for the stream will start on August 28, 2024, the swearing-in ceremony will be on August 30, 2024 while the closing ceremony will be on September 17, 2024.

The posts read: “Some prospective corps members posted to Lagos will have orientation in Ogun and Osun.

“While some of those posted to Zamfara will be in Kebbi and Sokoto etc.

“PCMs are advised not to travel at night to the Orientation Camp.

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“Prospective corps members are advised to print and sign the addendum, which will be submitted during registration at the orientation camp.”

Here are tips for corps members going for the orientation camp.

1. Do not travel to the Orientation Camps at night. Break your journey when necessary.

2. Report on your scheduled reporting date.

3. Apply for spelling errors and name rearrangements on your dashboard.

4. After documentation in the Camp, you cannot change your Date of Birth, Date of Graduation, Course of Study and Passport Photograph.

5. Do not report to the Camp if there are any discrepancies in your course of study or with the Date of Graduation on your Statement of Result and your Call-up Letter. Contact your Institution to sort it out.