The Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) policy requiring female corps members to wear trousers, regardless of religious beliefs, is unconstitutional and infringes on their right to freedom of religion.
In the judgment delivered on June 13, 2025, Justice Hauwa Yilwa held that the NYSC’s insistence on trousers as the only acceptable uniform for women violates fundamental human rights, particularly the freedom to practice religion and the right to dignity. A certified copy of the court’s ruling became publicly available on Sunday.
The case originated from two separate lawsuits filed by former corps members—Miss Ogunjobi Blessing and Miss Ayuba Vivian—who challenged the NYSC’s uniform policy. Due to their legal similarities, the court consolidated the suits and heard them together.
The applicants argued that being compelled to wear trousers contradicted their Christian faith, specifically citing Deuteronomy 22:5, which they interpret as prohibiting women from wearing clothing traditionally worn by men. They claimed this policy denied them the right to express their religious beliefs and caused them emotional distress and humiliation.
The NYSC and its Director-General were listed as respondents in the suits, which were filed under Sections 38 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), along with provisions from the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, 2009.
The former corps members requested the court to declare the NYSC’s rejection of skirts as a uniform option unlawful, arguing that it infringed on their right to freely practice their religion. They also asked the court to order the NYSC to allow and provide skirts for female corps members who object to wearing trousers on religious grounds. Additionally, they sought ₦10 million in damages for the violation of their rights.
In its judgment, the court agreed with the applicants, stating that the NYSC’s uniform policy was unconstitutional when applied without consideration for religious beliefs. Justice Yilwa declared that the treatment received by the applicants from NYSC officials amounted to religious discrimination and a violation of their dignity.
The court further ordered the NYSC to:
- Recognize the right of female corps members to wear skirts for religious reasons;
- Permit the use of skirts as part of the official uniform for those with valid religious objections;
- Recall the affected former corps members and issue them their certificates of national service.
Although the applicants requested ₦10 million each in damages, the court awarded ₦500,000 to each, stating that the amount was adequate under the circumstances.
Justice Yilwa emphasized that denying the applicants the opportunity to complete their national service due to their attire was unjust and discriminatory, noting that they were subjected to humiliation and mistreatment solely because of their religious convictions.
“The conduct of the NYSC not only disrespected the applicants’ beliefs but also subjected them to degrading treatment,” the court concluded.
