The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has confirmed that one of the reforms approved for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) will see the scheme’s traditional khaki uniform replaced with Adire fabric.
The Minister overseeing the initiative confirmed the development, explaining that the decision aligns with the government’s commitment to encouraging the use of locally made products while creating more opportunities for Nigerian textile producers and artisans.
According to the minister, the adoption of Adire fabric is expected to boost the local economy by increasing demand for the indigenous textile, which is widely associated with Nigeria’s rich cultural identity. The move is also aimed at showcasing Nigerian creativity and craftsmanship on a national platform.
The minister noted that the transition will be carried out in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including the NYSC management and local textile manufacturers, to ensure that the new uniforms meet the required standards of quality, durability, and comfort.
“That after you are leaving the camp, you are not just posted to a school just because NYSC wants you to be in school but because of the process you followed when in camp. So, that is going to give a framework of where you are going to be posted to,” he said.
“If you have interest that you want to go to the North-East why not, but if you don’t have interest, instead of redeploying you, paying people for camp, doing all those funny things, we said no, let us look at it and say who are those in that area, that can reside in those geographical areas and still give us the kind of number we are looking for since we are saying NYSC should be more impactful. So, that is what we are talking about,” he said.
Olawande also dismissed reports suggesting the military would be removed from the NYSC, describing such claims as a misconception.
The reforms are intended to reposition the NYSC as a skills-oriented, productivity-driven and youth-empowerment institution that aligns with the Federal Government’s goal of building a $1 trillion economy.
