Court Rules NYSC Skirt Ban Unconstitutional, Orders Certificates for Ex-Corps Members

In a landmark judgment, the Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) skirt ban unconstitutional, declaring it a violation of fundamental human rights. The court also ordered the NYSC to issue discharge certificates to the affected former corps members and awarded ₦1 million in damages to each of the complainants.

The case was brought forward by two ex-corps members, Ruth Eze and Chinwendu Onwumere, who were denied NYSC discharge certificates in 2021 for refusing to wear trousers during their service, citing religious beliefs. Their refusal to wear the standard uniform pants led to their ejection from the orientation camp.

Justice Inyang Ekwo, delivering the judgment, stated that the actions of the NYSC were in breach of the ex-corps members’ constitutional rights to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion as enshrined in Sections 34 and 38 of the 1999 Constitution.

The court emphasized that although the NYSC has the authority to establish its uniform policy, it cannot override the rights guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution. It declared that the decision to deny the women their certificates for dressing in accordance with their faith was discriminatory, oppressive, and unlawful.

The judge further criticized the NYSC for acting outside the scope of its mandate, warning that state policies must never infringe upon constitutionally protected freedoms. Justice Ekwo ordered the NYSC to issue the withheld certificates within 30 days of the ruling and awarded ₦1 million in compensation to each of the ex-corps members.

This ruling is expected to have significant implications for the NYSC’s uniform policies, especially as they relate to female corps members who dress modestly for religious reasons.

Legal analysts say this judgment sets a precedent that reaffirms the supremacy of the Nigerian Constitution over arbitrary administrative actions. Human rights advocates have hailed the decision as a major victory for religious freedom and gender equality in Nigeria’s public institutions.