The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has clarified that the Federal Government has not approved Adire or any other fabric to replace the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) iconic khaki uniform, reversing the impression created by his earlier remarks on the proposed reform of the scheme.
The clarification came hours after widespread media reports suggested that the Federal Government had adopted locally produced Adire as the new uniform for corps members following the minister’s appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief.
In a statement issued on his official social media platforms, Olawande explained that his reference to Adire during the interview was merely illustrative and should not have been interpreted as a policy announcement.
“For the avoidance of doubt, yes, I mentioned Adire during the discussion. I also mentioned Ankara. My intention was simply to cite examples of some of the proposals that have been put forward in the course of our consultations. It was not an announcement that any particular fabric has been adopted or approved to replace the current NYSC uniform,” the minister said.
He stressed that no final decision has been taken on either the fabric or the design of any new NYSC uniform, adding that the government is still evaluating various proposals as part of the ongoing reform of the 53-year-old national service scheme.
According to Olawande, any eventual replacement must satisfy key requirements, including professional appearance, a distinct national identity, durability, functionality, cost-effectiveness and the promotion of Nigerian products and national pride.
He assured Nigerians that whatever decision is eventually reached would emerge from extensive consultations with stakeholders and would be guided by what best serves the interests of the NYSC and the nation.
The minister also urged the public not to allow the controversy over the proposed uniform to overshadow the broader objectives of the ongoing NYSC reforms.
He said the reform agenda is aimed at making the scheme more relevant to present-day realities by improving graduate employability, promoting entrepreneurship, strengthening national integration, enhancing service delivery and creating a smoother transition from school into productive careers.
“While conversations around the uniform are understandable, they should not overshadow the far-reaching reforms aimed at empowering millions of Nigerian youths and positioning the NYSC as a stronger platform for national development,” he said.
The clarification followed intense public debate after Olawande had earlier suggested during the television interview that locally made Adire could replace the traditional khaki uniform as part of efforts to promote Nigeria’s textile industry and retain government spending within the local economy.
The proposed review of the NYSC uniform forms part of wider reforms recently approved by the Federal Executive Council, which include deploying corps members according to their academic disciplines, strengthening skills acquisition and entrepreneurship programmes, digitalising the scheme’s operations and reviewing aspects of the NYSC Act to align it with current national development priorities.
