Court Orders NYSC to Approve Skirts for Female Corps Members, Citing Religious Freedom

In a landmark judgment that could reshape uniform policies across Nigeria’s paramilitary institutions, the Federal High Court in Abuja on June 13, 2025, ruled that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) must permit female corps members to wear skirts as part of their official attire. The court declared that the NYSC's prohibition on skirts violates Section 38(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the right to freedom of religion.

Justice Hauwa Yilwa, delivering the detailed ruling, emphasized that compelling women to wear trousers when it contradicts their religious beliefs infringes on their constitutional rights. “There is no moral, legal, or practical justification for denying corps members the right to express their faith through dress,” Justice Yilwa stated, signaling a turning point in a battle that has simmered for years between religious liberty and uniformity in national service.

The decision effectively overrules a position held since 2019 by NYSC’s former Director-General, Shuaibu Ibrahim, who insisted that paramilitary discipline and decency demanded uniform compliance — including trousers for female corps members. Ibrahim had argued that converting NYSC trousers into skirts was a “flagrant disregard” for the values and order expected during service, especially during physical training.

Now, that argument stands invalid. Though NYSC officials have yet to release a formal response, legal experts suggest the scheme will be compelled to amend its long-standing dress code, which has traditionally mirrored military-style uniformity.

Unsurprisingly, the judgment has sparked an intense debate across X (formerly Twitter), with the Nigerian public split between celebrating the court’s defense of personal beliefs and questioning the practicality of skirts in a program known for physical drills, jungle boots, and parade marches. Critics have raised concerns about safety, performance, and logistical implementation — pointing out that no global data exists comparing the physical efficacy of skirts versus trousers in similar paramilitary settings.

Supporters, however, say the decision is long overdue and symbolic of Nigeria’s slowly expanding respect for pluralism in national institutions. “It’s not just about clothes,” one commenter wrote. “It’s about being allowed to serve your country without betraying your faith.”

Interestingly, despite the visibility of the NYSC's trousers policy, there have been no peer-reviewed studies or official research showing that altering uniforms — such as switching to skirts — impacts discipline or training effectiveness. This has made it difficult for the NYSC to provide empirical backing for its stance beyond tradition.

The ruling is already being hailed by religious rights groups as a victory for constitutional liberties, especially for female Muslim corps members who have long demanded the option to wear modest clothing during service. Legal observers believe this decision could open doors for further reforms across Nigeria’s federal institutions, where religious attire has long clashed with rigid codes.

As the NYSC prepares for its next orientation camp cycle, all eyes are now on how — or whether — the institution will comply, or appeal. Either way, this case has ignited a broader national conversation about how much tradition Nigeria is willing to bend in the face of constitutional rights and religious diversity.