The Federal Government has clarified that Adire has not been approved as the new official uniform for members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), following widespread reports suggesting that the iconic khaki uniform would soon be replaced.
The clarification was issued by the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, who said his earlier comments during an interview on Channels Television had been misunderstood.
Minister Says Comments Were Misinterpreted
In a statement shared on his official social media account, Olawande explained that he mentioned Adire and Ankara only as examples of proposals that had emerged during consultations on the ongoing reform of the NYSC scheme.
He stressed that his remarks were not an announcement that any particular fabric had been adopted.
“No final decision has been taken on the fabric or design,” the minister said.
Government Still Reviewing Options
According to the minister, the government is considering several proposals and will only make a final decision after evaluating factors such as:
- Professional appearance
- National identity
- Durability
- Functionality
- Cost-effectiveness
- Promotion of national pride
He added that any eventual decision would follow extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders and would be guided by what best serves the interests of the NYSC and the country.
Focus Remains on Broader NYSC Reforms
Olawande urged Nigerians not to allow the debate over the corps uniform to overshadow the broader reforms recently approved for the NYSC.
According to him, the reform package is aimed at making the scheme more relevant to today’s realities by improving employability, promoting entrepreneurship, strengthening national integration, enhancing service delivery, and easing graduates’ transition into productive careers.
Key Highlights
- The Federal Government says Adire has not been approved as the new NYSC uniform.
- Minister Ayodele Olawande said his earlier comments were misunderstood.
- Adire and Ankara were mentioned only as examples of proposals under consideration.
- No final decision has been made on the fabric or design of any future NYSC uniform.
- The government says broader NYSC reforms remain its primary focus.
The Story in Nigerian Pidgin
FG Talk Say Adire Never Replace NYSC Khaki
Federal Government don clear the air say Adire never become the new NYSC uniform. Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, explain say people misunderstand wetin him talk during one television interview. According to am, when he mention Adire and Ankara, na only examples of ideas wey government dey consider for NYSC reforms, no be final decision.
The minister say government still dey review different options before any decision go be made. He also beg Nigerians make dem focus on the bigger NYSC reforms wey go improve skills training, employment opportunities and entrepreneurship for young graduates, instead of concentrating only on the uniform matter.
