Minister Clarifies Remarks, Says Adire Yet to Be Approved as NYSC Uniform

Minister Clarifies Remarks, Says Adire Yet to Be Approved as NYSC Uniform

The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has clarified that the Federal Government has not approved Adire as the new uniform for members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), following widespread reactions to reports suggesting the traditional khaki outfit would be replaced.

In a statement posted on his official X account on Thursday, the minister explained that his earlier comments during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief were misunderstood.

Olawande said Adire and Ankara were mentioned only as examples of proposals currently being considered as part of the ongoing reforms of the NYSC, stressing that no final decision has been reached on the fabric or design of the corps members’ 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 said.

According to the minister, the government is evaluating options that meet key standards, including professionalism, durability, functionality, affordability, national identity and pride.

He added that any eventual decision would be based on extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders and what best serves the interests of both the NYSC and the country.

Olawande also urged Nigerians not to allow discussions about the proposed uniform to overshadow the broader reforms being introduced to reposition the scheme.

He explained that the reforms are aimed at improving the employability of corps members, promoting entrepreneurship, strengthening national integration, enhancing service delivery and ensuring a smoother transition from education to productive careers.

The clarification comes just hours after reports emerged that the Federal Government had approved the replacement of the NYSC’s iconic khaki uniform with locally produced Adire as part of a comprehensive overhaul of the 53-year-old scheme.

The proposed reforms, approved by the Federal Executive Council, also include skills-based deployment of corps members, civilian operational leadership for the scheme and amendments to the NYSC Act.