Abuja: Mixed reactions have trailed a court judgment permitting female National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to wear skirts for religious reasons, with supporters hailing it as a win for rights and critics warning policy erosion.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, in a judgment delivered on June 13, Justice Hauwa Yilwa declared that the NYSC policy mandating trousers only for female corps members violated the constitutional rights to freedom of religion and human dignity. She specifically upheld that female corps members who, for sincere religious reasons, wish to wear skirts should be allowed to do so.
Mrs Juliet Ogunsaya, who told NAN that she served in Enugu State, said that she found the judgment quite interesting and commended the courage of the plaintiffs. She noted that the judgment was a significant challenge to the NYSC’s policies and expressed relief that the plaintiffs won. However, she also emphasized the importance of maintaining a uniform dress code due to the paramilitary nature of the NYSC.
On the other hand, StellaMaris Akubuike expressed concerns over the judgment, emphasizing the sanctity of the NYSC’s dress code established by law. She questioned the practicality of participating in camp activities in skirts and warned of potential consequences for defying established rules.
Mr Monday Ijeh and Mr Dominic Bassey also voiced their concerns. Ijeh highlighted the impracticality of wearing skirts in a para-military scheme, while Bassey worried about the potential confusion and erosion of unity within the NYSC if multiple uniform options were allowed. He advocated for a comprehensive overhaul of the NYSC scheme, rather than focusing solely on the uniform issue.
NAN reports that the Federal High Court in Abuja, in its judgment, declared the NYSC’s refusal to allow skirts as unconstitutional and a breach of fundamental rights. The cases, filed separately by former corps members Miss Blessing Ogunjobi and Miss Vivian Ayuba, argued that being compelled to wear trousers was contrary to their Christian faith. The court affirmed their right to manifest their religion and awarded them damages for the violation of their rights.
Justice Yilwa’s judgment represents a turning point in balancing institutional policies with individual religious and human rights. The court’s decision mandates the NYSC to allow skirts for female corps members with genuine religious objections and to recall affected former members for certification. The ruling underscores the evolving legal landscape in Nigeria concerning religious freedoms and institutional regulations.