The Federal High Court in Abuja has just delivered a powerful ruling: it has declared the National Youth Service Corps’ (NYSC) refusal to permit female corps members to wear skirts in accordance with their religious beliefs as UNCONSTITUTIONAL!
The landmark judgment was delivered on June 13, 2025, by Justice Hauwa Yilwa of the Federal High Court. Her ruling is clear, firm, and unequivocally on the side of individual liberties. She held that compelling female participants in the NYSC scheme to wear trousers – especially when it goes against their religious convictions – amounts to a blatant breach of their rights to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.
This is incredibly significant because these rights are not just abstract concepts; they are deeply enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and other relevant international human rights instruments. Justice Yilwa’s decision reinforces the idea that state institutions, even those as important as the NYSC, must operate within the confines of these constitutional guarantees. It’s a powerful reminder that no policy can override fundamental human rights.
The Courageous Plaintiffs: Fighting for Faith and Freedom
This victory for religious freedom wouldn’t have been possible without the courage and determination of two former corps members: Ogunjobi Blessing and Ayuba Vivian. These brave individuals took on the system, arguing that the NYSC’s uniform policy directly infringed upon their Christian faith.
Their argument was rooted in scripture, specifically citing Deuteronomy 22:5, which, “according to Deuteronomy 22:5, prohibits women from donning attire traditionally associated with men.” This highlights a deeply personal and spiritual conviction that they felt was being violated by the uniform requirement. It takes immense bravery to challenge a powerful national institution, especially when you’re a young person navigating the complexities of post-university life.
The suits, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/989/2020 and FHC/ABJ/CS/988/2020, were initially filed separately against the NYSC and its Director-General. However, due to their shared subject matter and the fundamental nature of the rights being asserted, they were later consolidated, allowing the court to address the issue comprehensively.
What This Means: A Win for All Corps Members and Religious Tolerance
This judgment has profound implications, not just for Ogunjobi Blessing and Ayuba Vivian, but for all current and future female corps members across Nigeria.
- Freedom of Expression: It affirms the right of individuals to express their religious beliefs through their attire, even within a structured national program.
- Inclusivity: It pushes the NYSC towards a more inclusive policy that respects the diverse religious practices of its participants.
- Precedent for Rights: This landmark ruling sets a powerful legal precedent, strengthening the protection of religious freedoms against institutional policies. It sends a clear message to all government bodies that policies must align with constitutional rights.
- Reduced Burden: Female corps members whose faith dictates modest dressing or specific attire will no longer face the dilemma of choosing between their religious convictions and compliance with NYSC rules.
This ruling is a cause for celebration for human rights advocates and for anyone who believes in the importance of religious tolerance and individual liberty. It’s a testament to the power of the judiciary to act as a guardian of the constitution and to protect the rights of ordinary citizens. The NYSC, a vital national program, now has a clear mandate to adapt its policies to reflect this crucial judgment, ensuring that national service truly embraces the diversity and fundamental rights of all its participants. This is a truly inspiring victory for justice and freedom!
