Adire: Minister makes U-turn, says no fabric adopted to replace NYSC khaki
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has rescinded his earlier announcement on Adire as possible replacement for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) khaki uniform. Olawande announced the reversal in a statement posted on his X account on Thursday. The minister’s initial proposal had generated widespread criticisms, with many Nigerians expressing concern that the adaptation […]
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has rescinded his earlier announcement on Adire as possible replacement for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) khaki uniform.
Olawande announced the reversal in a statement posted on his X account on Thursday.
The minister’s initial proposal had generated widespread criticisms, with many Nigerians expressing concern that the adaptation of the adire fabric, closely associated with a particular region of the country, could undermine the national character of the scheme and promote sectional interests.
But in the statement the minister said his reference to Adire was only illustrative and that no fabric had been approved to replace the current NYSC khaki.
- Report: Nigeria Leads Africa’s Economy, Lags in Global Competitiveness
- ‘Phantom’ council: Presidency clears Gbajabiamila amid concerns
He insisted that Adire was mentioned only as one of several proposals being considered and not as a final government decision.
“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,” he said.
The minister said the government was still weighing various options and had not reached a final decision on either the fabric or the design of a new uniform.
According to him, any eventual choice would be guided by considerations such as professional appearance, national identity, durability, functionality, cost-effectiveness and the promotion of national pride.
“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 added.
Olawande stressed that every aspect of the ongoing NYSC reforms would be subjected to extensive stakeholder consultations before implementation.
He said the process would be guided by what best serves the interests of the scheme and the country.
He also urged Nigerians not to allow the debate over the proposed uniform to overshadow the broader reforms recently approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
The reforms, he stated, are aimed at improving graduate employability, promoting entrepreneurship, strengthening national integration, enhancing service delivery and easing young graduates’ transition into 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,” the minister said.
He thanked Nigerians for their feedback and assured them that all proposals under consideration would continue to be carefully evaluated before any final decisions are taken.”