Adire Yet to Be Approved as NYSC Uniform, Minister Clarifies

 

By Abdulahi Musa 

The Federal Government has clarified that it has not approved Adire as the new official uniform for members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), reversing earlier reports that suggested the traditional khaki uniform would be replaced.

The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, made the clarification on Thursday through a statement posted on his official X account, explaining that his earlier comments during an interview on Channels Television's The Morning Brief were misunderstood. 

According to the minister, Adire and Ankara were only cited as examples of proposals currently under consideration as part of the ongoing reform of the NYSC scheme, stressing that no final decision has been reached.

"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," Olawande stated. 

He explained that the government is carefully reviewing several options that meet key requirements, including professionalism, durability, functionality, affordability, national identity and pride.

The minister added that any eventual decision on the NYSC uniform would be based on extensive consultations with stakeholders and what best serves the interests of both the scheme and the country. 

Olawande also urged Nigerians not to allow the debate over the proposed uniform to distract from the broader objectives of the ongoing NYSC reforms, which are aimed at improving employability, promoting entrepreneurship, strengthening national integration and ensuring a smoother transition from education to productive careers.