By Ado Oyeyemi
The Federal Government has announced plans to replace the traditional khaki uniform worn by members of the National Youth Service Corps with locally produced Adire fabric as part of sweeping reforms approved for the scheme.
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, disclosed this on Thursday during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, saying the initiative is aimed at boosting local industries and ensuring government spending supports Nigerian manufacturers.
According to the minister, the Adire uniforms will be sourced from local textile producers across the country, particularly in states with established Adire and textile industries.
“It’s Adire. Adire is produced in Nigeria. We have producers in Ogun, Kwara and other places with textile industries. The idea is to keep government spending within the country and strengthen our local economy,” he said.
Olawande also revealed that the ongoing restructuring of the NYSC would see corps members posted to places of primary assignment based largely on their academic qualifications and professional backgrounds.
He explained that graduates trained in education, for example, would be deployed to schools, replacing the existing system where postings are often unrelated to a corps member’s area of study.
He added that the posting process would begin during the orientation camp, allowing corps members to be assigned to organisations that align with their skills and qualifications.
The minister further disclosed that the government is considering deploying corps members to regions where they studied or are familiar with, especially in areas affected by security challenges.
He said the approach would reduce concerns among parents and prospective corps members while making the deployment process more effective and impactful.
According to him, graduates who are willing to serve in regions outside their familiar environment would still have the opportunity to do so, but those uncomfortable with such postings would no longer have to undergo redeployment after orientation camp.
Olawande also dismissed reports suggesting that the military would be removed from the NYSC, describing the claims as a misunderstanding.
He clarified that while the scheme’s operational leadership would be headed by a civilian under the proposed reforms, the military would continue to play its traditional role of providing security and support for the programme.
“There is no plan to remove the military from the NYSC. What is changing is the transition from military mobilisation to civilian mobilisation. The military will continue to provide security because that role remains essential,” he said.
The reforms follow the approval granted by the Federal Executive Council on Monday for a comprehensive overhaul of the 53-year-old scheme.
As part of the implementation process, the council directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Ministry of Youth Development to amend the NYSC Act and relevant regulations to accommodate the approved changes.
The Federal Government said the reforms are intended to transform the NYSC into a more skills-driven, productivity-focused and youth-empowerment programme capable of supporting Nigeria’s long-term economic development goals.
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