Adire fabric not approved to replace NYSC Khaki, minister clarifies

Nigeria's Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has issued a clarification regarding reports that Adire fabric would replace the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) iconic khaki uniform. Olawande stated that his earlier comments were misunderstood and that no official approval has been granted for such a change.

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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. 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.

During a television interview, Olawande had mentioned Adire and Ankara as examples of proposals being considered as part of the ongoing reforms for the NYSC scheme. However, in a subsequent social media statement, he emphasized that these were merely illustrative examples and not an announcement of an approved uniform. The government is currently exploring various options, aiming for a uniform that balances professional appearance, durability, functionality, cost-effectiveness, and promotes national identity and local industry.

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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.

The minister urged the public not to let the uniform debate distract from the broader objectives of the NYSC reforms. These reforms are designed to enhance the scheme's relevance by improving youth employability, fostering entrepreneurship, strengthening national integration, and facilitating a smoother transition into productive careers. Olawande stressed that a final decision on any new uniform fabric or design has not yet been made.

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It’s Adire. Adire is being produced in Nigeria. We have them in Ogun; we have them in Kwara; we have textile industries. Let’s put our money back into the country.