The Federal Government has clarified that no final decision has been taken to replace the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) khaki uniform with Adire, following widespread reports suggesting the new attire had already been approved.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said his earlier comments during an interview on Channels Television were misinterpreted, explaining that Adire was only mentioned as one of several proposals being considered as part of the ongoing reform of the NYSC scheme.
In a statement shared on his official social media account on Thursday, the minister stressed that the government has not adopted any fabric or design for the corps members’ 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,” Olawande said.
He added: “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.”
Olawande explained that the government is still reviewing different options, with emphasis on professionalism, durability, functionality, affordability, national identity and support for local industries.
According to him, “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.”
The clarification came hours after media reports quoted the minister as saying Adire would replace the long-standing khaki uniform worn by corps members.
During his appearance on Channels Television, Olawande had responded to a question on whether the proposed uniform would be produced locally, saying: “It’s Adire. Adire is being produced in Nigeria. We have them in Ogun; we have them in Kwara; we have textile industries. Let’s put our money back into the country.”
However, he has now urged Nigerians not to allow discussions about a possible change in uniform to distract from the broader objectives of the ongoing reforms.
He noted that the reforms are designed to reposition the NYSC by improving the employability of corps members, promoting entrepreneurship, strengthening national integration, enhancing service delivery and ensuring a smoother transition from education 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,” the minister said.
