FG Plans to Replace NYSC Khaki Uniform with Adire
By Nafiu Muhammad Lema
The Federal Government has announced plans to replace the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) traditional khaki uniform with locally produced Adire fabric as part of a broad reform aimed at modernising the scheme and supporting Nigeria’s textile industry.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, disclosed the plan during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Thursday. He explained that adopting Adire would encourage local production, create jobs and ensure government spending benefits Nigerian businesses.
The minister also revealed that under the new framework, corps members will be posted based on their academic qualifications and professional skills. For instance, graduates of education-related courses will be deployed to schools, while others will be assigned to sectors that align with their fields of study to improve the impact of the scheme.
On security, Olawande said the government is considering posting corps members to regions where they studied or are familiar with, especially in areas affected by insecurity.
He noted that the arrangement would reduce safety concerns among parents and prospective corps members while making deployments more practical. However, those willing to serve in other regions would still have the opportunity to do so.
The minister also dismissed claims that the military would be removed from the NYSC, describing the reports as misleading. According to him, the military will continue to provide security support, while the scheme’s operational leadership will be headed by a civilian.
The proposed changes are part of the comprehensive overhaul of the NYSC approved by the Federal Executive Council earlier this week. The Council also directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to amend the NYSC Act and relevant regulations to accommodate the reforms.
Established in 1973, the NYSC is set for its first major restructuring in more than five decades, with the government saying the reforms are designed to make the scheme more relevant, efficient and beneficial to national development.
