FG: No Final Decision on Adire as NYSC Uniform

The Federal Government has clarified that it has not approved Adire as the new uniform for members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), following widespread reactions to comments made by the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande.

Olawande made the clarification on Thursday in a statement shared via his official X handle, @ayowisdom_, explaining that reports claiming Adire had been adopted to replace the iconic khaki uniform were based on a misunderstanding of his remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief.

According to the minister, his reference to Adire and Ankara during the interview was merely to illustrate some of the proposals being considered as part of the ongoing reform of the NYSC scheme. He stressed that no fabric or design has been approved.

“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 stated.

No Final Decision on NYSC Uniform

Olawande explained that the government is evaluating 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 added that any decision on the uniform would emerge from extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders and would be based on what best serves the interests of both the NYSC and the country.

The minister also urged Nigerians not to allow discussions surrounding a possible uniform change to distract from the wider objectives of the ongoing reforms within the scheme.

“The reforms are designed to make the scheme more relevant to today’s realities by improving employability, promoting entrepreneurship, strengthening national integration, enhancing service delivery, and creating a smoother transition from education to 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.

The proposed review of the NYSC uniform is one aspect of the broader reform package approved by the Federal Executive Council on Monday as part of a comprehensive overhaul of the 53-year-old scheme. Other proposed changes include skills-based deployment of corps members, civilian operational leadership for the scheme, and amendments to the NYSC Act.

Olawande’s earlier comments on Channels Television, where he mentioned Adire and Ankara as possible alternatives to the current khaki uniform, quickly gained traction on social media and generated mixed reactions.

While some Nigerians criticised the suggestion, describing it as a misplaced priority and alleging it could favour one region of the country, others welcomed the proposal, arguing that it could support local textile production and promote entrepreneurship.

Addressing the controversy, the minister reiterated that Adire has not been officially adopted as the new NYSC uniform, maintaining that no final decision has been reached on the matter.