BREAKING: HRAI URGES FG TO GUARANTEE HIJAB IN NYSC UNIFORM REFORM

By—Pen Blog Media.

Date Published: Monday, 13th July, 2026 | 27th Muharram, 1448 AH.

THE Hijab Rights Advocacy Initiative (HRAI) has called on the Federal Government to guarantee the rights of female Muslim corps members to wear the hijab as discussions continue over proposed reforms to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), including a possible redesign of its official uniform.

The advocacy group, in a statement, welcomed the Federal Government's ongoing efforts to modernise the NYSC scheme but stressed that the reform should go beyond changing the appearance of the uniform to include clear institutional safeguards that protect the constitutional rights, dignity and religious identity of Muslim women.

HRAI argued that any new NYSC uniform policy should explicitly accommodate female corps members who observe the Islamic hijab, enabling them to participate fully in the national service programme without compromising their religious obligations.

According to the group, inclusivity should remain a key principle of the proposed reforms, noting that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of religion and expression.

The call follows recent discussions surrounding the Federal Government's proposed overhaul of the NYSC scheme, with reports suggesting that the iconic khaki uniform could be redesigned as part of broader reforms aimed at modernising the programme.

However, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has clarified that no final decision has been taken on the proposed uniform design. He dismissed reports claiming that Adire had already been approved as the new NYSC uniform, explaining that several fabric options are still under consideration.

The question of accommodating the hijab within the NYSC uniform has remained a recurring issue in Nigeria, with Muslim organisations and rights advocates consistently calling for policies that respect the religious beliefs of female Muslim corps members while preserving the objectives and unity of the scheme.

HRAI urged the Federal Government to seize the opportunity presented by the ongoing reforms to establish a uniform policy that promotes inclusion, protects fundamental rights and reflects Nigeria's religious and cultural diversity.

Pen Blog Media will continue to monitor developments and provide verified updates on the proposed NYSC reforms and other issues of national importance.