The Federal Government has announced plans to replace the iconic khaki uniform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) with Adire fabric as part of ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning the scheme and promoting locally made products.
According to the minister, the move is designed to strengthen Nigeria's textile industry, create jobs and ensure government spending supports local manufacturers.
“It is Adire. Adire is being produced in Nigeria. We have producers in Ogun, we have them in Kwara, and we have textile industries. Let’s put our money back into the country,” Olawande said.
He explained that the proposed uniforms would be produced entirely in Nigeria, adding that the initiative is expected to boost indigenous textile makers while encouraging patronage of Nigerian-made products.
The minister also revealed that the Federal Government is restructuring the NYSC deployment process to ensure corps members are posted based on their academic qualifications, professional backgrounds and areas of study.
The announcement follows the Federal Executive Council's approval of wide-ranging reforms to the NYSC scheme earlier this week, including plans to appoint a civilian Director-General in place of the traditional military leadership.
The proposed Adire uniform has, however, generated mixed reactions online.
Some Nigerians welcomed the move, saying it would promote local industries and showcase Nigerian culture.
Others, however, questioned the choice of Adire, arguing that it is traditionally associated with the Yoruba people and may not reflect the country's ethnic diversity.
One user wrote, “Why should a fabric indigenous to the Yorubas be worn by all corps members in Nigeria? Either NYSC adopts a truly national fabric or each state should have its own unique cultural attire.”
Another joked, “Someone said Ojude NYSC.”
Others expressed concerns that the government was focusing on the wrong priorities.
“At this point, the NYSC has overstayed its usefulness. The whole scheme should be scrapped,” one commenter wrote.
Another added, “Wearing that khaki is one of the reasons many people even look forward to serving.”
The proposal has continued to spark debate, with many Nigerians divided over whether replacing the famous khaki uniform is necessary or whether the government should prioritise other reforms within the NYSC scheme.
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