In a landmark ruling shaking the NYSC program to its core, a Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the ban on skirts for female corps members, branding the policy unconstitutional, discriminatory, and a clear violation of religious freedom and human dignity.
Justice Hauwa Joseph Yilwa ruled in favor of Ogunjobi John Blessing and Ayuba Vivian, two ex-corps members denied discharge certificates for refusing to wear trousers. The court ruled that the NYSC’s “trousers-only” policy for women infringes Section 38(1) of the Nigerian Constitution and even cited Deuteronomy 22:5, affirming the right to dress in line with religious beliefs.
Ayuba, posted to Zamfara, stood her ground, refusing trousers based on her Christian faith. Despite NYSC’s defense that all members agree to a uniform dress code for discipline, the court emphasized that fundamental rights trump regulations.
The judge slammed NYSC with ₦10 million in damages for violating the women’s rights — a bold message that freedom of religion is not optional.
