Youth Development Minister Ayodele Olawande has walked back comments regarding a new NYSC uniform. On Thursday, July 2, Olawande clarified that the Federal Government has not officially approved Adire fabric for corps members, following hours of intense public debate over the proposed shift.
Writing on his official X handle, Olawande said reports suggesting Adire would replace the iconic khaki uniform misrepresented his views. He emphasized that his original remarks during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief were taken out of context.
Clarifying his remarks, Olawande noted that Adire and Ankara were only cited as examples of potential ideas for the ongoing NYSC reforms. He firmly added that “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 stated.
According to Olawande, any final decision will follow deep stakeholder consultations to best serve the NYSC and the nation.
He also urged the public not to let uniform debates distract from the core objectives of the ongoing reforms.
“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.
“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.
Rumors quickly spread that the NYSC iconic khaki kit was being retired in favor of locally produced Adire fabric. The proposed switch was touted as part of an aggressive, modern overhaul for the 53-year-old institution.
During an interview on Channels Television, Olawande remarked, “It’s Adire,” framing the change as a strategic move to boost local textile manufacturing and circulate government funds within the domestic economy.
This uniform update tied into a sweeping NYSC overhaul sanctioned by the Federal Executive Council. Alongside the wardrobe change, the approved reforms introduce skills-based deployment for corps members, civilian operational leadership, and legislative amendments to the NYSC Act.
