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A recent court ruling allowing National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to wear skirts has sparked a debate on Jasiri on News Central TV, where hosts discussed the balance between religious freedom and the programme’s practical requirements.
The conversation highlighted concerns about the impact on uniformity, safety, and the potential for further religious exemptions.
Host Blessings Mosugu argued that the NYSC, as a paramilitary programme, prioritises uniformity for both aesthetic and functional reasons.
She pointed out the rigorous physical demands of the programme, which include training aimed at assessing physical and mental fitness.
Mosugu questioned the practicality of wearing skirts for such activities, drawing a parallel to military personnel who would not wear skirts in a combat situation.
“If you’re doing this programme, it’s just for one year, right? This is the uniform that is required because of the things that you’re required to do,” Mosugu said, suggesting that the uniform is designed for the specific tasks and challenges of the service year.
Fellow host Omotunde Adebowale-David expressed concern that the ruling could lead to segregation and further complications.
She noted that while the debate often centres on Christianity and Islam, other religious groups also have rights and may seek similar concessions.
Adebowale-David questioned how a participant wearing a skirt could safely perform physical tasks, such as the “endurance walk” or climbing ropes, even with tights underneath.
“The only thing this is going to bring is segregation,” she said, suggesting that participants who opt for skirts might be exempted from certain physically demanding exercises.
Mosugu added that this could open the door for more religious exemptions, referencing a hypothetical case of a woman who wishes to be fully covered.
She questioned how the NYSC would manage such requests, potentially leading to a lack of accountability and uniform standards.
The hosts’ discussion underscores the complexity of balancing religious rights with the established, functional requirements of a national youth service programme.
