FG Clarifies NYSC Uniform Reform, Says No Decision Yet on Replacing Khaki with Adire

The Federal Government has clarified that no final decision has been taken to replace the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) khaki uniform, following widespread reports suggesting that Adire fabric had been approved as the new official attire for corps members.

The clarification was issued on Thursday by the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, who said his earlier comments during an interview on Channels Television had been misinterpreted as an official policy announcement.

According to the minister, while he mentioned Adire during the discussion, he also referred to Ankara as part of several proposals currently being considered under the ongoing reform of the NYSC scheme.

He stressed that neither Adire nor any other fabric has been adopted to replace the existing khaki uniform.

"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," Olawande said.

The minister explained that the Federal Government is still evaluating several options and that any eventual decision would be guided by extensive consultations with stakeholders.

According to him, the proposed uniform must meet key requirements, including professional appearance, durability, functionality, affordability, a distinct national identity 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 stated.

Olawande said the uniform discussion represents only one aspect of the broader reform agenda approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), urging Nigerians not to lose sight of the larger objective of repositioning the NYSC for contemporary national needs.

He noted that the ongoing reforms are designed to make the scheme more relevant by improving youth employability, promoting entrepreneurship, strengthening national integration, enhancing service delivery and creating a smoother transition from education into productive careers.

"As with every aspect of the ongoing NYSC reforms, any eventual decision will be guided by extensive stakeholder engagement and what best serves the interests of the Scheme and the nation," he added.

The minister appealed to Nigerians to continue engaging constructively with the reform process, assuring them that every proposal under consideration would be carefully assessed before any final decisions are made.

"I appreciate the constructive feedback and assure Nigerians that every proposal will continue to be carefully considered in the best interest of the nation," he said.

The clarification comes hours after widespread reports claimed that the Federal Government had approved Adire to replace the NYSC's iconic khaki uniform, a development that generated extensive public debate across social media and other platforms.