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).
The clarification came hours after reports suggested the government had adopted Adire to replace the scheme’s traditional khaki uniform. Olawande said his earlier comments during a television interview were misunderstood.
Minister Says Adire Was Only an Example
In a statement shared on his official X account, the minister explained that he mentioned both Adire and Ankara only as examples of proposals under consideration during ongoing consultations on NYSC reforms.
He said:
“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 Yet
Olawande stressed that the government has not selected any fabric or design for a new NYSC uniform.
According to him, officials are still reviewing different options based on professionalism, durability, functionality, cost-effectiveness, national identity and support for local industries.
He added:
“No final decision has been taken on the fabric or design.”
Minister Urges Focus on Wider NYSC Reforms
The minister urged Nigerians not to focus only on the uniform debate.
He said the broader NYSC reforms aim to improve graduate employability, promote entrepreneurship, strengthen national integration and prepare young people for 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.”
Earlier Reports Triggered Public Reactions
Earlier on Thursday, reports emerged that the Federal Government planned to replace the NYSC khaki uniform with Adire as part of the ongoing reform of the scheme.
Those reports followed comments Olawande made during an interview on Channels Television, where he referenced Adire while discussing proposals under review. He has now clarified that the remarks were not an official approval and that consultations are still ongoing.
Read also: NYSC Reform: Corps Members to Wear Adire Instead of Khaki, FG Confirms
