By Peace Erewunmi

The Federal Government has clarified that it has not approved Adire fabric as the new official uniform for members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), following widespread reports suggesting that the scheme’s iconic khaki attire had been replaced.

The clarification was issued by the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, who explained that his earlier comments during an interview on Channels Television had been misunderstood. According to the minister, Adire and Ankara were mentioned only as examples of proposals being considered as part of the ongoing review of the NYSC scheme and not as approved replacements for the current uniform.

Olawande stressed that no final decision has been taken regarding the fabric or design of any new NYSC uniform. He said the government is still consulting stakeholders and evaluating various proposals to ensure that any future uniform reflects professionalism, durability, functionality, cost-effectiveness, national identity, and pride.

The minister urged Nigerians not to allow the debate over uniforms to overshadow the broader reforms approved for the NYSC. According to him, the ongoing reform agenda is focused on repositioning the scheme to improve graduate employability, promote entrepreneurship, strengthen national integration, enhance service delivery, and better prepare young Nigerians for productive careers after national service.

The clarification followed intense public reactions after reports emerged that the Federal Executive Council had approved sweeping reforms for the 53-year-old scheme, including replacing the traditional khaki uniform with locally produced Adire fabric. While promoting indigenous textile production remains one of the ideas under consideration, the government has now confirmed that no official approval has been granted.

Olawande reaffirmed that the reform process remains ongoing and that every proposal will undergo extensive stakeholder engagement before implementation. He assured Nigerians that any eventual decision would be guided by what best serves the interests of corps members, the NYSC, and the country as a whole.

The minister also reiterated that the planned reforms extend beyond uniforms. Other proposals include improving skills acquisition, aligning corps members’ postings more closely with their academic qualifications and career interests, and enhancing the overall impact of the NYSC programme on national development.

For now, the NYSC’s traditional khaki uniform remains in use, while the Federal Government continues consultations on the wider reform package aimed at modernising the scheme and making it more responsive to Nigeria’s evolving socio-economic needs.