A Federal High Court sitting in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, has directed the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to permit female corps members who wish to wear skirts as part of their official uniform based on religious beliefs. The ruling was delivered by Justice H.A. Nganjiwa following a suit filed by Miss Ufumaka Glory Ukpanken, a serving corps member, who argued that the NYSC’s compulsory trouser policy violated her fundamental rights.
Miss Ukpanken told the court that wearing trousers conflicted with her Christian faith, citing Deuteronomy 22:5, which she believes prohibits women from wearing garments meant for men. She claimed that the NYSC’s refusal to allow her to wear a skirt infringed on her right to freedom of religion, as guaranteed by Section 38(1) of the 1999 Constitution.
In his judgement, Justice Nganjiwa agreed with the applicant and declared that the NYSC’s actions constituted a breach of her constitutional rights. He stated that denying her the option to wear a skirt, and subjecting her to harassment and humiliation, amounted to degrading treatment and a violation of her dignity.
The court granted multiple reliefs in favour of Miss Ukpanken, including an order mandating the NYSC to provide skirt alternatives to willing female corps members. It also issued a perpetual injunction restraining NYSC officials from harassing or punishing any corps member for wearing a skirt on religious grounds.
Furthermore, the court awarded ₦5 million in damages to Miss Ukpanken and directed the NYSC to allow her to complete her service year and issue her discharge certificate without delay. The judgement marks a significant development in the ongoing debate over uniform policy and religious freedom within the NYSC scheme.
