Court Orders NYSC: Landmark 2025 Rulings and What They Mean

Court Orders NYSC to Allow Female Corps Members to Wear Skirts

In mid-2025, Nigerian courts issued pivotal rulings affecting NYSC (National Youth Service Corps) policy—particularly around religious expression and certificate recognition. These judgements reaffirm corps members’ rights and challenge some longstanding NYSC practices.

1. Court Orders NYSC to Allow Female Corps Members to Wear Skirts

In a major 2025 decision, the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that NYSC’s enforcement of trousers as the only uniform for female corps members is unconstitutional and infringes on the right to freedom of religion and human dignity. Justice Hauwa Yilwa delivered the verdict following consolidated suits by two former corps members who cited Christian beliefs prohibiting the wearing of male-associated clothing.

The court ordered NYSC to permit skirts for female corps members with legitimate religious objections and directed the agency to issue discharge certificates to those previously denied service due to uniform policies. Each plaintiff was awarded ₦500,000 in damages.

2. Court Restraining Order Against NYSC Over Certificate Denial

A separate case involved Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, who sued NYSC in 2023 after the agency denied issuing his discharge certificate. The Federal High Court granted an interim injunction preventing NYSC from disowning the certificate he submitted to INEC. The court affirmed that Mbah had validly completed NYSC service in 2003 and ordered NYSC to stop denying his certificate. Additionally, NYSC was fined ₦5 million in damages for misrepresentation and material suppression of evidence.

Why These Orders Matter: Key Implications for NYSC Policy

Restoration of Religious Rights in Uniform Choices
The skirt ruling empowers corps members to exercise protected religious beliefs—an important milestone aligning NYSC policy with Nigeria’s constitutional rights.

Contractual Trust in Public Credentials
The Mbah ruling underscores the importance of NYSC honoring valid discharge certificates once issued. It restricts the agency’s ability to retroactively deny or contradict verified documentation.

Legal Precedent for Future Disputes
Both cases establish legal precedent emphasizing that NYSC must uphold due process, fairness, and rights protection in its operations—especially relating to fundamental human rights and official certifications.

Summary Table: Court Orders vs. NYSC

2025 Court Order	Details
Female corps members allowed to wear skirts	Declared trousers-only policy unconstitutional (Section 38)
NYSC restrained from denying Peter Mbah’s discharge certificate	Court confirmed certificate validity, fined NYSC ₦5 million

The 2025 court orders affecting NYSC policy reflect Nigeria’s evolving legal landscape—one that prioritizes individual rights, religious freedom, and bureaucratic accountability. Whether it’s confirming the choice of uniform or upholding valid official documents, the courts have sent a clear message: NYSC must comply with constitutional protections and judicial directives.

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