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) khaki uniform, reversing the impression created by his earlier remarks.
Olawande made the clarification in a statement posted on his X account on Thursday following widespread public reactions to comments he made during an interview on Channels Television about the ongoing reforms of the NYSC.
His earlier reference to Adire as a possible replacement for the khaki uniform sparked criticism from many Nigerians, who argued that adopting the traditional tie-and-dye fabric, widely associated with the Southwest, could undermine the national character of the scheme and promote sectional interests.
Responding to the concerns, the minister stressed that Adire was mentioned only as one of several proposals under consideration and not as an approved replacement for the current NYSC 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.
“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,” he said.
The minister explained that the government is still evaluating various options and has yet to reach a final decision on either the fabric or the design of a new uniform for corps members.
According to him, any eventual choice will be guided by factors including professional appearance, national identity, durability, functionality, cost-effectiveness and the promotion of national pride.
“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 added.
Olawande further assured Nigerians that every aspect of the ongoing NYSC reforms would undergo extensive stakeholder consultations before implementation, with decisions driven by what best serves the interests of both the scheme and the nation.
He urged the public not to allow the debate over the proposed uniform to overshadow the broader reforms recently approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
According to the minister, the reforms are designed to make the NYSC more relevant to current realities by improving graduate employability, promoting entrepreneurship, strengthening national integration, enhancing service delivery and easing the transition of young graduates 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.
He also expressed appreciation for the public’s feedback, assuring Nigerians that all proposals being considered would continue to be carefully evaluated before any final decisions are taken.
“I appreciate the constructive feedback and assure Nigerians that every proposal will continue to be carefully considered in the best interest of the nation,” he said.
