The Federal Government has announced plans to replace the traditional khaki uniform worn by members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) with locally produced Adire fabric as part of ongoing reforms to modernise the scheme and promote local industries.
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, disclosed the plan during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Thursday. He said the initiative is aimed at supporting Nigerian textile producers and ensuring government spending benefits the local economy.
According to the minister, Adire is widely produced in states such as Ogun and Kwara, adding that the government wants to channel public funds into strengthening Nigeria’s textile industry.
Olawande also revealed that the revised NYSC framework would place greater emphasis on deploying corps members based on their academic qualifications and professional skills. He explained that graduates trained in education, for example, would be posted to schools in line with their area of study rather than being assigned without consideration for their expertise.
He noted that the new posting process would begin during orientation camp, creating a structured system that aligns corps members with relevant assignments after camp.
On security, the minister said the government is considering posting corps members to regions where they studied or are already familiar with the environment, particularly in areas facing security challenges. He explained that the measure would reduce concerns among parents and prospective corps members while making deployment more practical.
However, he said corps members who wish to serve in other parts of the country, including the North-East, would still have the opportunity to do so voluntarily.
Olawande also dismissed reports suggesting that the military would be removed from the NYSC scheme, describing the claims as inaccurate. He clarified that while the scheme’s operational leadership would be headed by a civilian under the proposed reforms, the military would continue providing security support for corps members nationwide.
The planned changes follow the approval by the Federal Executive Council on Monday for a comprehensive overhaul of the NYSC, marking the first major reform of the scheme since it was established in 1973.
As part of the reforms, the council directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to amend the NYSC Act and relevant regulations to accommodate the new framework.
