By Maryam Shuaibu
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), saying his earlier remarks on the issue were misunderstood.
The clarification followed media reports suggesting that the government had adopted Adire to replace the NYSC’s traditional khaki uniform after the minister’s interview on Channels Television on Thursday.
CLOCKWISE REPORTS earlier reported that Mr Olawande, during the television interview, spoke about the proposal to use locally produced Adire for NYSC uniforms as part of the ongoing reforms of the scheme. However, the minister has now clarified that no final decision has been taken on the proposed uniform.
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In a statement posted on his official social media accounts hours after the interview, Mr Olawande said he merely mentioned Adire and Ankara as examples of proposals being considered during consultations on the ongoing reform of the NYSC.
“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.”
No Final Decision on Uniform
The minister said the government is still assessing different options for a possible new NYSC uniform, with considerations including professional appearance, durability, functionality, affordability, 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.
“No final decision has been taken on the fabric or design,” he said.
Mr Olawande explained that his earlier reference to Adire was in response to a question about local production, noting that the fabric is produced in states such as Ogun and Kwara and could support Nigeria’s textile industry if eventually adopted.
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Focus Remains on NYSC Reform
The minister urged Nigerians not to allow the debate over the proposed uniform to overshadow the broader objectives of the ongoing NYSC reforms.
According to him, the reforms are aimed at making the scheme more relevant by improving graduate 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.