The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has clarified that the Federal Government has not approved the replacement of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) khaki uniform with Adire or any other fabric, following widespread reactions to comments he made during a television interview.
Olawande’s clarification came hours after he suggested during an appearance on Channels Television on Thursday that the government planned to replace the iconic khaki uniform with locally produced Adire as part of ongoing reforms of the NYSC scheme.
The Minister had said the move was intended to promote made-in-Nigeria products and revive the country’s textile industry.
“It’s Adire. So, Adire is being produced in Nigeria. We have them in Ogun, we have them in Kwara, we have textile industry. Let’s put our money back into the country,” Olawande had said during the interview.
His remarks sparked widespread public debate, with many Nigerians interpreting them as confirmation that Adire had been adopted as the new NYSC uniform.
However, in a statement posted on his X account, the Minister said his comments had been misconstrued, stressing that no fabric had been approved for the redesigned uniform.
“My attention has been drawn to some media reports following my brief appearance earlier this morning on Channels TV regarding the ongoing reforms of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), particularly on the issue of the proposed uniform,” he said.
“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.”
According to the Minister, the government is still evaluating various options for the proposed redesign.
“For the record, what we are considering are different options that tick all the right boxes in terms of professional outlook, a unique national identity, durability, functionality, cost-effectiveness, and the projection of national pride. No final decision has been taken on the fabric or design,” he said.
“As with every aspect of the ongoing NYSC reforms, any eventual decision will be guided by extensive stakeholder engagement and what best serves the interests of the Scheme and the nation.”
The clarification follows the Federal Executive Council’s (FEC) approval on Monday of the most comprehensive reform of the NYSC since the scheme was established in 1973.
The council retained the one-year duration of the programme while approving sweeping changes aimed at modernising the scheme and making it more responsive to Nigeria’s current economic and development needs.
Among the approved reforms are a technology-driven call-up process, risk-sensitive deployment of corps members, a redesigned six-week orientation programme with greater emphasis on leadership, entrepreneurship and digital skills, skills-based primary assignments aligned with graduates’ academic backgrounds, improved orientation camp standards, a civilian-led operational structure while the military retains responsibility for security, a new graduation ceremony to replace the traditional Passing Out Parade, and a redesigned NYSC uniform.
The reforms will require amendments to the NYSC Act before those requiring legislative backing can take effect.
Urging Nigerians not to lose sight of the broader objectives of the reforms, Olawande said the changes were designed to reposition the NYSC as a more impactful platform for youth development.
“I respectfully urge Nigerians to continue to engage with the ongoing NYSC reform conversation based on its broader objectives and the immense benefits it holds for our young people and our country. The reforms are designed to make the Scheme more relevant to today’s realities by improving employability, promoting entrepreneurship, strengthening national integration, enhancing service delivery, and creating a smoother transition from education to productive careers,” he said.
He added: “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.”
The Minister also expressed appreciation for the reactions generated by the proposed reforms, saying: “I appreciate the constructive feedback and assure Nigerians that every proposal will continue to be carefully considered in the best interest of the nation.”
