The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called on the Federal Government to ensure that the proposed redesign of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) uniform reflects Nigeria’s religious and cultural diversity by accommodating the needs of female Muslim corps members.
In a press statement issued on Friday, July 3, 2026, MURIC’s Founder and Executive Director, Ishaq Akintola, said the planned reform of the NYSC presents an opportunity to produce a uniform that promotes decency, inclusiveness and respect for religious beliefs.
The group welcomed aspects of the Federal Government’s proposed reforms to the National Youth Service Corps but expressed concern that early indications suggest the proposed uniform design may not make provision for the hijab worn by Muslim female corps members.
According to MURIC, the redesign process should involve relevant stakeholders, particularly women’s Islamic organisations, to ensure that the interests of Muslim women are adequately represented.
The organisation specifically recommended the involvement of Federation of Muslim Women Associations in Nigeria, describing the association as a key stakeholder capable of contributing to an inclusive design that accommodates the religious requirements of Muslim women.
MURIC argued that broad consultations would help prevent avoidable controversies and ensure that the final design enjoys wider acceptance among Nigerians.
Providing historical context, the group maintained that many institutional uniform designs in Nigeria originated during the colonial era without sufficient consideration for the religious and cultural needs of Muslims. It said this imbalance had led to years of advocacy for adjustments that would allow Muslim female students and public servants to observe their religious obligations while participating fully in public institutions.
The organisation noted that previous agitations over the NYSC uniform eventually resulted in the approval of a hijab option for Muslim female corps members, describing it as a significant milestone in promoting religious accommodation within the scheme.
MURIC expressed concern that the ongoing redesign process could reverse those gains if the new uniform fails to retain provisions for the hijab.
The group therefore urged the Federal Government and all stakeholders involved in the reform to ensure that the final design reflects Nigeria’s diversity and protects the dignity of female Muslim corps members.
Professor Akintola stressed that meaningful consultation before the final approval of the new NYSC uniform would foster inclusiveness, reduce avoidable disputes and strengthen public confidence in the reform process.
He concluded by urging the authorities to ensure that all religious and cultural groups have a voice in decisions affecting national institutions, emphasizing that early engagement with stakeholders remains the best approach to achieving lasting consensus.
