Youth Development Minister Ayodele Olawande has walked back earlier comments suggesting that Adire fabric had been approved to replace the National Youth Service Corps’ traditional khaki uniform, clarifying that no such decision has actually been taken. 

The clarification came in a statement issued on Thursday, hours after his remarks on a television programme sparked widespread reports that the scheme’s iconic uniform was being officially phased out.

Olawande explained that his comments during an earlier appearance on Channels Television had been misconstrued. He said he had mentioned both Adire and Ankara only as examples of fabrics that had come up during consultations on the ongoing reform of the NYSC, and not as a confirmed decision on the new uniform.

The clarification followed his initial remarks, made while discussing the sweeping reforms approved by the Federal Executive Council on Monday, in which he said the scheme would promote local textile production by sourcing fabric from Nigerian producers in states such as Ogun and Kwara. Those comments were widely reported as confirmation that Adire would officially replace khaki, triggering mixed reactions online, with some Nigerians praising the push for local content and others criticising the move as needless changes to a national symbol.

The minister said he appreciated the feedback the initial reports had generated and assured Nigerians that every proposal on the uniform would be carefully considered as part of the broader reforms, which mark the first comprehensive overhaul of the NYSC since it was established in 1973. Beyond the uniform controversy, the wider reform package includes plans to post corps members based on their academic qualifications, a shift toward civilian-led operational leadership for the scheme, and an expanded six-week orientation course with greater emphasis on entrepreneurship and vocational skills.

Photo Credit: Western post