The Federal Government has confirmed that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) will replace its traditional khaki uniform with locally produced Adire fabric as part of the sweeping reforms recently approved for the scheme.
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, disclosed this during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, explaining that the decision is aimed at promoting local textile production and ensuring government spending supports Nigerian industries. He said Adire is already widely produced in states such as Ogun and Kwara.
According to the minister, the uniform change is one of several major reforms designed to reposition the NYSC. He also announced that corps members will increasingly be posted according to their academic qualifications and professional backgrounds, rather than being deployed arbitrarily. For instance, graduates with education-related degrees will be posted to schools and relevant institutions.
Olawande further clarified that while the NYSC will now be headed by a civilian Director-General, the military will continue to provide security and maintain its role during orientation camps. He also said deployment would become more security-conscious, with greater consideration given to corps members’ familiarity with regions affected by insecurity.
The Adire uniform forms part of the broader NYSC overhaul approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), which also includes extending the orientation programme to six weeks, replacing the traditional Passing-Out Parade (POP) with a graduation ceremony, and introducing skills-based training and career-focused service. Some of the reforms will require amendments to the NYSC Act before they take effect
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