Minister Clarifies Remarks on Proposed NYSC Uniform, Says No Fabric Approved Yet

The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has clarified his earlier remarks suggesting that the Federal Government planned to replace the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) khaki uniform with locally produced Adire fabric.

The minister explained that his reference to Adire during a television interview was merely an example of proposals under consideration and not an official announcement that the fabric had been approved for use.

Speaking earlier on Channels Television, Olawande had said the government was considering locally made fabrics such as Adire as part of efforts to promote indigenous products, strengthen Nigeria’s textile industry, and encourage local production.

His comments followed the Federal Executive Council’s (FEC) approval of key reforms to the one-year NYSC scheme, including the retention of its one-year duration, digitalisation of operations, a proposed shift in leadership structure from military to civilian administration, and a redesign of the corps members’ uniform.

However, in a statement posted on his X account on Thursday, the minister clarified that no decision had been reached on the replacement of the current khaki uniform.

“My intention was simply to cite examples of some of the proposals that have been put forward during our consultations. It was not an announcement that any particular fabric has been adopted or approved to replace the current NYSC uniform,” he stated.

Olawande added that both Adire and Ankara were mentioned only as illustrations of possible options being considered.

According to him, the government is still evaluating various proposals, with any final decision to be guided by extensive stakeholder consultations and key considerations such as professionalism, national identity, durability, functionality, cost-effectiveness, and the promotion of national pride.

He urged Nigerians not to allow discussions about the proposed uniform to overshadow the broader objectives of the ongoing NYSC reforms.

The minister noted that the reforms are aimed at improving youth employability, promoting entrepreneurship, strengthening national integration, enhancing service delivery, and easing the transition of graduates from education into productive careers.

He also assured Nigerians that every proposal under the reform process would be carefully assessed in the overall interest of the scheme and the nation.