NYSC: FG Has Not Approved Adire Fabric Yet, Olawande Clarifies

The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has said the Federal Government has not approved adire as the new uniform for NYSC members, after his earlier comment sparked heavy debate.

He made the clarification in a statement on Thursday, hours after an appearance on Channels Television stirred reports that the iconic khaki would be replaced.

“No final decision has been taken on the fabric or design.”

“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.

Olawande explained that adire and ankara were only examples under review, and that the government was looking for a fabric that fits professional outlook, durability, functionality, cost-effectiveness and national pride.

What The Reforms Cover

He said the uniform debate should not distract Nigerians from the wider changes approved for the 53-year-old scheme.

“The reforms are designed to make the scheme more relevant to today’s realities by improving employability, promoting entrepreneurship, strengthening national integration, enhancing service delivery, and creating a smoother transition from education to productive careers.”

He also said the administration wants an NYSC that serves youth development better and supports local textile production if a final uniform decision is reached.

“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,” he said.

The FEC had earlier approved a comprehensive overhaul of the NYSC, including skills-based deployment, civilian operational leadership and changes to the NYSC Act.

The controversy began after Olawande’s television remarks were taken as confirmation that adire would replace the khaki uniform.

He later said the comments were misunderstood and that no final approval had been given.