The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has confirmed that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) will replace its traditional khaki uniform with Adire fabric as part of ongoing reforms of the scheme.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Thursday, the minister said the change is designed to promote local textile production and ensure government spending supports the Nigerian economy.
He explained that Adire is widely produced in Nigeria, particularly in states such as Ogun and Kwara, adding that the policy would help strengthen local industries.
“It’s Adire. So, Adire is being produced in Nigeria… Let’s put our money back into the country,” he said.
Olawande also disclosed that the NYSC restructuring would ensure corps members are increasingly posted based on their areas of specialisation rather than general deployment.
According to him, graduates with education-related qualifications would be posted to schools in line with their training, instead of the current system that often ignores academic background.
He added that the new framework would be refined during the camp process to better determine posting locations.
On security concerns, the minister said the government is considering posting corps members to regions where they have familiarity, especially in areas affected by insecurity, to reduce risks and deployment challenges.
“If we have a particular area that is having insecurity… we must also give them an opportunity,” he said.
Olawande also dismissed reports suggesting that the military would be removed from NYSC operations, clarifying that the armed forces would continue to play a security role while operational leadership becomes civilian-led.
He said the reforms approved by the Federal Executive Council represent the first major overhaul of the scheme since its establishment over five decades ago.
The Federal Government says the changes aim to reposition NYSC into a skills-driven, productivity-focused programme aligned with national economic goals.
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