Ayodele Olawande has clarified his earlier remarks suggesting that the Federal Government would replace the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) khaki uniform with locally produced Adire fabric, stating that no final decision has been taken.
Earlier on Thursday, the minister had said the government was considering replacing the existing khaki uniform with Adire as part of efforts to encourage the use of locally manufactured products and revive Nigeria’s textile industry.
“It’s Adire. So, Adire is being produced in Nigeria. We have them in Ogun, we have them in Kwara, we have textile industry. Let’s put our money back into the country,” Olawande had said during an interview on Channels Television.
His comments came days after the Federal Executive Council approved major reforms to the NYSC at its meeting on Monday.
Following the council meeting, Olawande announced that while the one-year duration of the scheme would remain unchanged, seven key reforms had been approved, including digitalisation, a transition from military to civilian leadership, and a redesign of the corps members’ uniform.
However, in a statement posted on his X account later on Thursday, the minister explained that he had only mentioned Adire as one of several ideas being discussed and not as a confirmed replacement for the current 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,” 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 stressed that the government is still reviewing different proposals and that no material or design has been officially selected.
“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 said.
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“As with every aspect of the ongoing NYSC reforms, any eventual decision will be guided by extensive stakeholder engagement and what best serves the interests of the Scheme and the nation.”
The minister also urged Nigerians not to lose sight of the broader reforms being introduced, noting that the changes are designed to improve employability, encourage entrepreneurship, strengthen national unity, enhance service delivery and better prepare young graduates for the workforce.
“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.
“I appreciate the constructive feedback and assure Nigerians that every proposal will continue to be carefully considered in the best interest of the nation.”