FG yet to approve Adire as new NYSC uniform – Youth minister
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has clarified that the Federal Government has not approved Adire as the replacement for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) khaki uniform, explaining that his earlier comments during a television interview were misconstrued.
His clarification came after reports emerged claiming he had announced that Adire would become the official attire for corps members during an appearance on Channels Television on Thursday.
Responding to the reports in a statement, the minister explained that he had only referenced Adire and Ankara as examples of proposals being examined as part of ongoing efforts to reform the NYSC scheme.
“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.”
Olawande explained that the government was reviewing several options, with emphasis on factors such as durability, functionality, affordability, professional appearance, national identity and support for local industries.
“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,” he said.
“No final decision has been taken on the fabric or design.”
Olawande appealed to Nigerians to focus on the broader objectives of the NYSC reform process rather than the debate over the proposed uniform.
He said the reforms are designed to make the scheme more impactful by boosting youth employability, encouraging entrepreneurship, deepening national unity, improving service delivery and easing graduates’ transition 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,” he said.
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