Nigerian High Court Orders NYSC to Allow Female Corps Members to Wear Skirts

Justice H.A. Nganjiwa of the Federal High Court in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, has ruled that it is a violation of human rights for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to mandate female corps members to wear trousers as their uniform. The judgment came in response to a case brought by Miss Ufumaka Glory Ukpanken, a corps member, against the NYSC authorities.

Miss Ukpanken, represented by her lawyer I. Ο. Okhidievbie, Esq., challenged the NYSC’s requirement to wear trousers, citing it as a violation of her religious beliefs and fundamental human rights. Justice Nganjiwa sided with the applicant, declaring that female corps members must be permitted to wear skirts as part of their uniforms unless they choose otherwise.

Furthermore, the court awarded Miss Ukpanken a sum of N5 million in damages against the NYSC authorities for infringing upon her rights. The judgment emphasized the importance of respecting individuals’ religious freedoms and rights to manifest their beliefs in practice.

This ruling marks a significant shift in NYSC uniform policies and sets a precedent for accommodating religious diversity among corps members. It also highlights the ongoing debate within the National Assembly regarding amendments to the NYSC Act to address such concerns.

Senator Emmanuel Bwacha’s unsuccessful attempt to introduce a bill allowing skirts in the NYSC uniform underscores the complexity of the issue and the need for legislative action to reconcile uniform regulations with religious practices.