The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has applauded a recent Federal High Court ruling in Abuja declaring the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)’s refusal to allow female corps members to wear skirts for religious reasons as unconstitutional.
The judgment stemmed from two suits—FHC/ABJ/CS/989/2020 and FHC/ABJ/CS/988/2020—filed by Christian corps members Blessing Ogunjobi and Vivian Ayuba. Both plaintiffs argued that the NYSC’s dress code, which mandates trousers for women, conflicted with their religious beliefs.
In a statement on Thursday, MURIC described the ruling as a victory for religious liberty and an affirmation of the constitutional right to freedom of worship and expression. The group said the decision was especially important for both Muslim and Christian women whose faiths require specific dress codes, including the hijab or skirts.
MURIC’s Oyo State Chapter urged Christian groups to reflect on the implications of the ruling and reconsider their stance on the public wearing of the hijab by Muslim women. It emphasized that religious tolerance should be mutual and consistent, especially since the successful litigants were Christians seeking recognition for their own faith-based dress practices.
The organization reiterated its commitment to defending the rights of Muslim women to wear the hijab and other religious garments without discrimination. It called for institutional reforms to ensure that public policies do not infringe on constitutionally guaranteed freedoms.
MURIC expressed hope that the ruling would serve as a foundation for more inclusive policies within the NYSC and other government programs, promoting respect for religious diversity across Nigeria.
