Fresh Storm Hits NYSC For De-kitting Two Female Corps Members Over Skirt Use

A fresh religious controversy is in the offing following the sending away of two female corps members from the Ebonyi state camp of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, for insisting on wearing skirts rather than the corps issued trousers.

The corps members; Okafor Love Obianuju with registration number EB/19C/0523 and Odji Oritsetsolaye (EB/19C/0530), were part of the 2019 National Youth Service Corps Batch C Stream currently undergoing the three-week orientation exercise in Ebonyi State.

Trouble started for the duo when they were spotted by the camp director, Isu Josephine, and her team during her routine morning inspection, wearing white T-shirts and skirts.

“When they were accosted and interrogated, they disclosed that they could not wear the white shorts and the trousers given to them by the NYSC since it was against their faith,” a statement by the corps in Abakaliki read.

“Efforts were, however, made by the office of the Camp Director to make them see reason why they must obey the rules and regulations guiding the orientation and NYSC, but all efforts to do that proved futile.

“The corps members were queried and subsequently made to face the camp court, where they were found guilty, having made it categorically clear that they were ready to bear the consequences of their actions”, she said.

After the efforts failed, Mrs. Ukwuoma said, “They were de-kitted in the presence of security agents, who also escorted them to the gate as they left the camp.”

However, the action has prompted a debate on Nigeria’s social media ecosystem with some describing the action of the NYSC as ‘hypocrisy,’, while others said people should follow laid down regulations.

In October this year, the NYSC approved the use of white, shoulder-length hijabs for Muslims which is in contravention of the Act establishing the corps.

The NYSC Act recognizes only three types of dressing used for different occasions, which the management of the corps insists are acceptable for corps members.

In a document released when the Hijab use was approved, the corps stated, “The modes of dressing for corps members are classified into three categories, which are used for different occasions. One, within the camp during the orientation programme, their normal attire, except otherwise directed, consists of a pair of white shorts with a white vest and white canvas shoes and socks.

“Two, for ceremonial purposes, the proper dressing is crested vest on top of a pair of Khaki trousers with a pair of jungle boots and socks with the trouser folded inside the socks. The belt and the Fez cap are to match.

“Three, for Man O’War activities at the camp and Community Development Service programmes, they are expected to appear in a jacket and trousers with the plain white vest inside, the jungle boot and the Fez cap, as well as a customised belt to match.

“On the use of the hijab, the NYSC does not issue the hijab as part of its uniform. However, the NYSC management allows corps members to use a white hijab that drops at shoulder level for religious purposes.”

A Facebook user, Akah Solomon on the de-kitting of the two female corps members in a short piece, ‘Is Hijab Part of the NYSC Approved Code of Dressing?’ Queried “the double standard of the NYSC.

“The extant laws of NYSC forbids dressings other than the ones approved and given by NYSC to corps members,” he wrote.

“This is to reflect the supremacy of the extant constitution which upholds the secularism of the Nigerian State.

“The NYSC bylaw forbids additional code of dressing based on religion because the institution is a nonreligious one and with no bias in religion.

“NYSC by de-kitting and decamping Christian corps members for the simple reason of adhering to the Christian ethics that forbids women from wearing trousers erred

“There should be provision for everyone to wear whatever that reflects one’s belief system, this should be accommodated into the NYSC bylaws,” Solomon wrote.

He warned that the “NYSC is now sowing the seed of discord and promotes religious partiality.”

Also, a Twitter user, Kelvin Odanz @MrOdanz tweeted, “Can someone please explain to me what is happening here? I thought what is good for the goose is good for the gander.

“If Muslim ladies are allowed to wear Hijab in NYSC camps for religious reasons, why won’t some Christian ladies be allowed to wear skirt for same reasons?

“I am indifferent when it comes to some of these religious things but it is the hypocrisy that I can’t stand.”

One Olayemi @yemisoye_ said, “If they want to change the NYSC dress code laws, they should kuku allow all religions appear in their respective apparel since they want to turn it to a religious festival camp, Celestials in their sultanas and traditional worshippers in their costumes.”

Several efforts to get the reaction of the corps through Mrs. Adenike Adeyemi, Director, Press & Public Relations, failed as calls and text message to her known GSM line were not responded to.