The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has dismissed reports claiming that the Federal Government has approved Adire as the new uniform for members of the National Youth Service Corps, insisting that no final decision has been taken on the proposal.
The clarification followed widespread reports that interpreted comments he made during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief as confirmation that the traditional khaki uniform would be replaced with Adire.
Reacting in a statement shared on his official social media platforms on Thursday, the minister said his remarks had been misconstrued.
According to him, Adire was mentioned merely as one of several proposals currently under consideration and not as a fabric already approved for adoption.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I referred to Adire during the discussion and also mentioned Ankara. These were only examples of some of the suggestions received during the consultation process. It was never intended to mean that any fabric has been adopted to replace the existing NYSC uniform,” he said.
Olawande explained that the ongoing review of the NYSC uniform is part of broader reforms aimed at modernising the scheme.
He noted that the government was assessing various options based on key considerations, including professional appearance, durability, affordability, functionality, national identity and the promotion of Nigerian culture.
The minister stressed that consultations were still in progress and that no approval had been granted for any design or material.
He also urged Nigerians not to allow debates over the proposed uniform to overshadow the wider objectives of the ongoing reforms.
According to him, the reforms are focused on improving the employability of corps members, encouraging entrepreneurship, strengthening national integration, enhancing service delivery and ensuring a smoother transition from education into productive careers.
He maintained that discussions on the uniform represent only one aspect of the reform agenda, adding that the government’s priority remains repositioning the NYSC to better serve young Nigerians and contribute more effectively to national development.
The clarification means corps members will continue to wear the existing khaki uniform until the Federal Government concludes consultations and announces any official changes.