It wasn\u2019t a trending hashtag or a viral protest that shook a national institution \u2014 it was two women, a courtroom, and the Constitution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Blessing Ogunjobi and Vivian Ayuba just made history \u2014 and they did it without shouting. The former corps members stood firm on one issue: their right to wear skirts during the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year in line with their Christian beliefs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On June 13, 2025<\/strong>, the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled in their favor, declaring NYSC’s no-skirt policy for women unconstitutional<\/em>. Justice Hauwa Yilwa delivered the judgment that may change how the NYSC handles religious expression in its uniform code going forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Their journey started not in rebellion, but in devotion. Both Blessing and Vivian believed trousers violated their religious convictions, specifically citing Deuteronomy 22:5<\/em>, which advises against cross-dressing. When NYSC refused to accommodate their request, the women didn\u2019t back down \u2014 they went to court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In camp, their decision led to harassment, ridicule, and humiliation. But their battle wasn\u2019t about comfort or fashion \u2014 it was about faith<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Justice Yilwa\u2019s verdict was firm and clear. Forcing any woman to wear trousers against her faith, she ruled, violates Section 38 of the Nigerian Constitution<\/strong>, which guarantees freedom of religion. The ruling emphasized that religious expression isn\u2019t subject to institutional convenience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cRules that suppress genuine religious expression must give way to constitutional rights,\u201d the court ruled.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s what the court ordered:<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhy the Skirt Case Mattered<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What the Court Said<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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The Outcome: A Victory with Consequences<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n