Federal High Court in Abakaliki Orders NYSC to Permit Female Corps Members to Wear Skirts on Religious Grounds.
On Wednesday, January 31, 2024, Honorable Justice H.A. Nganjiwa delivered a judgment in suit number FHC/AI/CS/12/2023, filed by Miss Ufumaka Glory Ukpanken (Corper No. EB/A221514) against the NYSC, its Director General, and the State Coordinator. The court ruled in favor of Miss Ukpanken, who challenged the NYSC’s refusal to recognize skirts as part of the corps uniform, citing it as a violation of her fundamental right to freedom of religion.
The court declared that wearing skirts as official NYSC attire is within the fundamental rights of female corps members to manifest their religious beliefs. It further condemned the harassment and disciplinary actions taken against Miss Ukpanken for wearing a skirt, deeming it a violation of her rights to freedom of religion, dignity, and freedom from degrading treatment.
In response, the court mandated the NYSC to acknowledge and provide skirts for female corps members who wish to exercise their religious rights. It also issued a perpetual injunction against the NYSC, preventing further harassment or disciplinary actions against female corps members for wearing skirts.
Moreover, the court awarded Miss Ukpanken general and exemplary damages of N5,000,000 for the infringement of her rights and instructed the NYSC to allow her to complete her service year and issue her certificate upon completion.
