The Federal High Court has ruled that NYSC’s refusal to allow skirts for religious reasons is unconstitutional and discriminatory.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) violated the constitutional rights of two former female corps members by refusing to allow them wear skirts as part of their uniform due to their religious beliefs.
Justice Hauwa Yilwa, in a judgment dated June 13, 2025, held that the NYSC’s insistence on trousers infringed on their rights to freedom of religion and human dignity under Section 38 of the 1999 Constitution.
The suits, filed by Miss Ogunjobi Blessing and Miss Ayuba Vivian, cited Deuteronomy 22:5 as their reason for rejecting trousers.
“A declaration that the refusal to allow skirts for religious purposes is unconstitutional,” the judge stated.
The court awarded ₦500,000 in damages to each applicant and ordered the NYSC to recall them and issue their certificates.
Justice Yilwa declared the NYSC’s actions as discriminatory, degrading, and in breach of the applicants’ fundamental rights.