Youth Minister Says No Decision Yet on Replacing NYSC Khaki

The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has clarified earlier comments on the NYSC’s khaki uniform and said no decision has been made to replace it with locally produced Adire, despite proposed reforms for the 53-year-old scheme.

Olawande had told Channels Television that Adire was replacing khaki, explaining that the move was meant to promote local textile production and keep government spending within the Nigerian economy.

The proposed change was said to be part of a broader overhaul of the NYSC approved by the Federal Executive Council on Monday.

But Olawande has now issued a clarification on his official X handle, saying media reports had misrepresented his remarks.

'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,' he wrote.

'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,' he said, adding that it was 'not an announcement that any particular fabric has been adopted or approved to replace the current NYSC uniform.'

He said the government was still weighing 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,” stressing that “no final decision has been taken on the fabric or design.'

Olawande said any eventual decision would be guided by 'extensive stakeholder engagement and what best serves the interests of the Scheme and the nation,' and urged Nigerians to focus on the broader goals of the reform.

'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,' he said, adding that '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 thanked Nigerians for their feedback, saying every proposal would 'continue to be carefully considered in the best interest of the nation.'