The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has issued a clarification regarding earlier statements that the Federal Government planned to replace the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) traditional khaki uniform with locally produced Adire fabric. The clarification came after widespread public debate following his interview on Channels Television.
Minister's Initial Statement
During an appearance on Channels Television, Olawande had stated that Adire would replace the khaki uniform as part of sweeping reforms approved for the 53-year-old scheme. He explained that the move was intended to promote local textile production and keep government spending within the Nigerian economy. The proposed uniform change was part of a comprehensive overhaul of the NYSC approved by the Federal Executive Council on Monday.
Clarification on Social Media
In a statement published on his official X handle, Olawande clarified that reports suggesting Adire had been adopted to replace the khaki uniform misrepresented his remarks. He said that while he mentioned Adire and Ankara during the interview, they were only examples of proposals being considered as part of the ongoing reform of the scheme. He added that “No final decision has been taken on the fabric or design.”
Details of the Clarification
“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 stated. He emphasized that the government is considering 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.”
Next Steps
The minister assured that any eventual decision would be guided by extensive stakeholder consultations and what best serves the interests of the NYSC and the country. The reform process remains ongoing, with no final decision on the uniform fabric or design.
