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Court Orders NYSC to Permit Skirts for Female Corps members
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NYSC ordered to issue certificates to affected women
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Judge awards ₦500,000 each for emotional distress
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has directed the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to allow female corps members wear skirts during their service year if such preference is based on religious beliefs.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the judgment followed a suit filed by two former corps members, Miss Ogunjobi John Blessing and Miss Ayuba Vivian, who were reportedly denied NYSC certificates after refusing to wear trousers during the mandatory programme, citing their Christian faith.
Presiding judge, Justice Hauwa Joseph Yilwa, ruled that the NYSC’s refusal to accommodate the applicants’ religious dress choice amounted to a breach of their constitutional rights. She stated that the insistence on trousers-only uniforms violated the women’s right to freedom of religion and human dignity.
The court ordered the NYSC to issue service certificates to the two women and recall them for official recognition. In addition, the court awarded each applicant ₦500,000 in damages for the psychological trauma and embarrassment they experienced due to NYSC’s actions. Although the women had demanded ₦10 million each in compensation, the judge ruled the awarded amount was adequate under the circumstances.
Justice Yilwa further described the NYSC’s policy as discriminatory, asserting that individuals should not be penalised for their sincere religious convictions.
The ruling marks a significant moment in the intersection of public service policies and constitutional religious freedoms in Nigeria. The NYSC has not yet commented on whether it will comply with or appeal the judgment.
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