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Court orders NYSC to allow female corps members wear skirts

Published

3 years ago

March 21, 2024

Court orders NYSC to allow female corps members wear skirts

A Federal High Court in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital has declared that it is a human rights violation for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to compel all female corps members to wear trousers as their uniforms.

Justice H.A. Nganjiwa made the declaration while delivering judgment in Suit No: FHC/AI/CS/12/2023 between Miss Ufumaka Glory Ukpanken a corps member with number EΕΒ/Α221514 as an Applicant and the NYSC, Director General of NYSC, and the State Coordinator of NYSC as the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Respondents.

In the landmark decision, Justice Nganjiwa ruled that female corps members must be allowed to wear skirts instead of trousers as their uniforms unless the corps members opt for trousers.

The applicant, Miss Ufomaka Ukpanken had sued the NYSC authorities following the harassment and sanction for wearing a skirt instead of the trousers provided as part of her kit.

Miss Ukpanken in an Originating Motion dated January 12, 2023 and filed on January 13, 2023, through her lawyer, I. Ο. Okhidievbie, Esq. sought the enforcement of her fundamental rights, averring that being forced to wear trousers against her religious belief is an infringement of her constitutionally guaranteed fundamental human rights.

In the judgement delivered on January 31, 2024, a copy of which was was seen on Thursday, Justice Nganjiwa awarded N5 million in favour of the Applicant against all the Respondents as general and exemplary damages for the infringement and violation of her fundamental rights.

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The judgement partly read: “That the application is granted as prayed: A DECLARATION is made that the refusal of the Respondent to recognize and allow skirt as part of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) uniform/kit is a breach of the Applicant’s Fundamental Right as contained, guaranteed and protected under Section 38(1) of the 1999 Constitution (As amended) pursuant to the Applicant’s Christian belief, faith and injunction as contained in the Book of Deuteronomy Chapter 22, verse 5 in the Holy Bible (KJV) and, is a misreading of 2nd Schedule, Article 1 (I)(a) of the NYSC Bye Laws, 1999.

“A DECLARATION is made that the use of skirt as her official dressing, uniform/kit by the Applicant forms part of her Fundamental Rights to the Freedom of Religion and Freedom to manifest same in practice observance as CC guaranteed and protect 3/6 Section 38(1) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended).

“A DECLARATION is made that the harassment, embarrassment, humiliation and instituted proceedings to “discipline” the Applicant, to which she is currently subjected to in the hands of the agents of the Respondents is a clear infringement on the Fundamental Rights of the Applicant to Freedom of Religion and Freedom to manifest same in her fundamental right to dignity of the human person and from degrading treatment.

“AN ORDER is made mandating the Respondents, servants, agents, privies or whatsoever called to recognize, allow and provide skirt for the Applicant or any female National Youth Service Corps member wishing to use same in line with her Fundamental Right as contained, guaranteed and protected under Section 38(1) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) and pursuant to the injunction of the Holy Bible (KJV) in the Book of Deuteronomy at Chapter 22 verse 5 thereof.

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“AN ORDER OF PERPETUAL INJUNCTION is made restraining the Respondents, their servants, agents, privies or whatsoever called from further abducting, “arresting”, detaining and subjecting the Applicant or any female member of the National Youth Service Corps from further harassment, embarrassment, humiliation and instituted proceedings to “discipline” her on account of her use of skirt as part of her official NYSC dressing, uniform/kit or in purported enforcement of the NYSC Bye LAWS 1999 or any amended version in this regard.

“General and exemplary damages of N5, 000, 000.00 (Five Million Naira) only is awarded against the Respondents jointly and severally in favour of the Applicant for the infringement and violation of her Fundamental Rights.

“AN ORDER is made that the Respondents allow the Applicant to complete her National Youth Service Corps as required by law.

“AN ORDER is made that the Applicant upon completion of the said mandatory (NYSC) service, she be issued her certificate of National Service immediately.

“AN ORDER is made that henceforth, the Respondents should not force female corps members to wear Trousers.”

Court orders NYSC to allow female corps members wear skirts

(SAHARAREPORTERS)

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Nigerian Pastor, 68, Dies Mid-Air While Returning From US Vacation

Published

17 hours ago

November 11, 2026

Trends Admin

Dr Mrs Asabe Toye

Nigerian Pastor, 68, Dies Mid-Air While Returning From US Vacation

A Nigerian pastor, Dr Mrs Asabe Toye, has reportedly died aboard an aircraft while returning to Nigeria from a vacation in the United States.

The 68-year-old cleric reportedly suffered a medical emergency on October 16, 2026, while travelling with her husband on a flight from the United States to Frankfurt, Germany.

According to reports, the incident occurred during the journey when she suddenly developed a medical complication, prompting efforts by fellow passengers and other occupants of the aircraft to save her life.

Despite attempts to provide medical assistance and prayers offered on board, the pastor reportedly could not survive the emergency.

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Her death has reportedly thrown her family, loved ones and members of her religious community into mourning.

Family appreciates Nigerian Embassy, Customs Service

Following her death, the family expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Embassy in Germany and the Nigeria Customs Service for their assistance in facilitating the necessary clearances and arrangements for the return of her remains to Nigeria.

The family reportedly acknowledged the support of both institutions during the difficult process.

Dr Mrs Asabe Toye has since been laid to rest, according to reports published on Wednesday, November 11.

Her death has also triggered emotional reactions on social media, with Nigerians expressing sympathy and offering prayers for her husband, children and other family members.

Nigerian Pastor, 68, Dies Mid-Air While Returning From US Vacation

News

Tinubu’s Chicago Varsity Certificate Row: Omokri Challenges Journalists to Verify Fresh Allegations

Published

19 hours ago

November 11, 2026

Trends Admin

Tinubu’s Chicago Varsity Certificate Row: Omokri Challenges Journalists to Verify Fresh Allegations

Nigeria’s Ambassador to Mexico, Reno Omokri, has challenged Nigerian journalists to independently investigate fresh allegations surrounding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s academic records at Chicago State University (CSU), insisting that the American institution confirmed the President’s admission, attendance and graduation.

Omokri’s challenge comes amid renewed controversy over Tinubu’s educational background following claims by Dr Pearse Adetokunbo, a former lecturer at Chicago State University, who reportedly questioned whether the Nigerian leader attended or graduated from the institution.

Adetokunbo, who said he worked at the university between 1985 and 1990, reportedly claimed during an interview on News Central Television that he found no evidence of Tinubu’s attendance or graduation. He also raised questions about the identity associated with the President’s academic records and the authenticity of documents attributed to the university.

However, Omokri rejected the allegations, saying he had personally visited Chicago State University and established that Tinubu was admitted, attended classes and graduated.

In a post on his official X account on Monday, November 9, Omokri urged journalists not to rely solely on claims made during television interviews but to travel to the United States and examine the university’s records independently.

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He wrote: “I went to @ChicagoState University and proved that President Tinubu was admitted, attended, and graduated from there.

“I urge Nigerian journalists not to sit in studios peddling gossip, but to also go to Chicago, as I did, and verify.”

Omokri’s response has brought renewed attention to a controversy that has featured prominently in Nigerian political and legal debates, particularly since the 2023 presidential election.

In September 2023, Chicago State University confirmed that Tinubu attended the institution and graduated in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, with a concentration in Accounting.

Documents released during the legal proceedings in the United States showed that the university’s records placed Tinubu’s attendance between August 1977 and June 1979.

The university’s confirmation of his graduation, however, became a subject of further scrutiny during proceedings connected to a case brought by former presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, who sought access to Tinubu’s academic records.

During a deposition, CSU Registrar Caleb Westberg confirmed that Tinubu graduated from the institution but said he could not authenticate the particular diploma submitted by the President to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as the university did not have that document in its possession.

The distinction between confirmation of Tinubu’s graduation and authentication of the specific certificate submitted to INEC became a central issue in the legal dispute.

The latest claims by Adetokunbo have therefore reopened public debate over the President’s academic history, while Omokri has maintained that the allegations should be tested against the university’s records rather than accepted without independent verification.

The renewed debate is unfolding against the background of growing political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Tinubu’s opponents and supporters continuing to scrutinise issues relating to his eligibility, background and record in office.

Tinubu’s Chicago Varsity Certificate Row: Omokri Challenges Journalists to Verify Fresh Allegations

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Fuel Prices: FCCPC Warns Marketers Against Denying Nigerians Relief

Published

22 hours ago

November 11, 2026

Trends Admin

Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Tunji Bello

Fuel Prices: FCCPC Warns Marketers Against Denying Nigerians Relief

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has warned petroleum refiners and marketers against maintaining high petrol and diesel prices despite the recent decline in international crude oil prices.

The Commission said Nigerians should begin to benefit from the reduction in global oil prices, insisting that refiners and marketers have no justification for keeping petroleum product prices elevated if their operating costs have declined.

The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Tunji Bello, gave the warning in a statement issued on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, by the Commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu.

Bello said the Commission was closely monitoring developments in the international oil market to ensure that reductions in crude oil prices translate into lower wholesale and retail prices of petroleum products in Nigeria.

According to the FCCPC, Brent crude, the international oil benchmark, which rose to about $115 per barrel in September, has fallen below $90 per barrel this week.

Despite the decline, petrol prices remain high across major Nigerian cities.

The Commission disclosed that petrol currently sells for between N1,405 and N1,420 per litre in Abuja, while consumers in Lagos pay between N1,325 and N1,370 per litre.

It compared the current prices with those recorded on February 27, before the outbreak of the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, when Brent crude futures closed at $72.48 per barrel.

At the time, petrol sold for between N839 and N925 per litre in Lagos and Abuja.

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Petroleum marketers have attributed the sharp increase in fuel prices over the past eight months to fluctuations in international crude oil prices following the conflict in the Middle East and disruptions to shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a major global oil transportation route.

However, Bello insisted that sustained reductions in crude oil prices should lead to corresponding decreases in the cost of refined petroleum products.

“If the decline in crude prices is sustained, there is no justification for refiners and marketers to continue to keep petrol and diesel prices relatively high. We expect easing in wholesale petrol costs and for the resulting savings to reach consumers at the pump without undue delay,” he said.

The FCCPC chief acknowledged the financial difficulties Nigerians had experienced because of elevated fuel prices, noting that the Commission was determined to ensure that consumers were not denied the benefits of favourable movements in the international oil market.

He said the Commission would continue working with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and other relevant government agencies to monitor wholesale and retail prices across the petroleum supply chain.

Bello also warned that the FCCPC would take appropriate action against operators found engaging in anti-competitive practices or unfair market behaviour that prevented consumers from benefiting from lower production and supply costs.

“Where there is evidence of anti-competitive conduct or unfair practices that prevent consumers from benefiting from lower costs, we will take appropriate action within our mandate,” he added.

The Commission’s intervention comes amid growing concerns over the impact of high petrol prices on transportation, food prices, manufacturing, household spending and the operating costs of businesses.

Although crude oil prices influence the cost of petroleum products, other factors, including refining expenses, foreign exchange rates, transportation, distribution, financing and inventory costs, also affect domestic pump prices.

The FCCPC’s position is that any sustained reduction in costs should be reflected in the market and that consumers should not be subjected to unfair pricing practices.

For millions of Nigerians struggling with high living costs, the major expectation is whether the latest decline in international crude oil prices will translate into meaningful reductions at filling stations.