The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has clarified that he merely suggested Adire as one of several proposals under consideration for a new National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) uniform, stressing that no final decision has been taken by the Federal Government.
The Federal Government has clarified that it has not approved Adire as the new uniform for members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), following widespread reports suggesting that the iconic khaki attire would be replaced. Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande said his earlier remarks were misconstrued, explaining that Adire was mentioned only as one of several proposals being considered as part of the ongoing NYSC reforms.
Olawande issued the clarification in a statement posted on his official social media account, noting that both Adire and Ankara were cited merely as examples during consultations on possible uniform options.
“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,” the minister said.
He emphasised that government is still evaluating different proposals based on professionalism, national identity, durability, functionality, affordability and the promotion of locally made products before any final decision is reached.
The clarification came hours after widespread media reports stated that the Federal Government had adopted Adire to replace the traditional khaki uniform following Olawande’s appearance on a television programme.
The minister urged Nigerians not to allow the debate over the proposed uniform to overshadow the broader reforms recently approved for the NYSC. According to him, the reforms are primarily aimed at improving graduate employability, promoting entrepreneurship, strengthening national integration and modernising the scheme to meet current national development needs.
Olawande assured Nigerians that any eventual decision on a new NYSC uniform would follow extensive stakeholder consultations and would be guided by what best serves the interests of both the scheme and the country.
He reiterated that no fabric or design has been officially approved, urging the public to rely only on official government communications regarding the ongoing NYSC reforms.
The minister’s clarification has put to rest reports that Adire had already been adopted as the official NYSC uniform. While the Federal Government continues consultations on possible changes, authorities say the broader objective remains to reposition the NYSC into a more effective platform for youth development and national service.