In a landmark judgment that has stirred nationwide debate, a Federal High Court in Abuja has overturned the long-standing restriction placed by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) against female corps members wearing skirts as part of their official uniform. The court ruled that the ban, which has faced years of criticism from religious and human rights groups, is a violation of fundamental rights to freedom of religion and expression as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution.
Delivering the ruling, Justice Inyang Ekwo stated that no government institution, including the NYSC, has the legal authority to infringe on citizens’ constitutionally guaranteed rights under the guise of uniformity or discipline. The judgment came after a legal challenge initiated by a female corps member who argued that the mandatory trouser uniform violated her religious convictions and modesty as a Christian.
KIIN360 gathered that the plaintiff, who served in one of the northern states, had faced disciplinary threats and alleged harassment for refusing to wear trousers during her service year. Backed by legal support from faith-based rights advocates, she approached the court seeking redress and a declaration that her right to dress according to her faith was non-negotiable under Nigerian law.
The NYSC, established in 1973 to foster national unity and integration among Nigerian graduates, has maintained a strict dress code for decades, prescribing khaki trousers and shirts for all corps members regardless of gender. However, recent years have seen growing resistance to the policy, particularly among Christian and Muslim female corps members who argue that the dress code does not reflect their religious values.
In its defence, the NYSC had argued that uniformity and discipline were central to the programme’s identity, and that allowing exemptions could undermine its objectives. But the court disagreed, stressing that national unity must not come at the expense of constitutionally protected freedoms.
Following the judgment, human rights advocates have hailed the ruling as a victory for religious liberty and inclusivity. Legal experts also noted that the decision sets a significant precedent, potentially impacting similar policies in other public institutions across the country.
While the NYSC is yet to issue an official response or indicate whether it intends to appeal the ruling, the verdict has already sparked conversations across social media and civic spaces, with many Nigerians calling for a broader reform of the scheme’s regulations to align with contemporary realities and fundamental human rights.
