The Federal Government has confirmed plans to replace the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) traditional khaki uniform with locally produced Adire fabric as part of ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening the scheme and promoting local industries.
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, disclosed this on Thursday during an appearance on The Morning Brief on Channels Television.
According to the minister, the adoption of Adire is intended to support Nigerian textile manufacturers and ensure government spending benefits the local economy.
He noted that Adire is produced in states such as Ogun and Kwara, adding that the initiative would boost the country’s textile industry and encourage patronage of locally made products.
Olawande also revealed that corps members would increasingly be deployed based on their academic qualifications and professional backgrounds under the restructured NYSC.
He explained that graduates with education-related qualifications, for instance, would be posted to schools, replacing the current practice of assigning corps members without considering their areas of specialisation.
The minister further said the government is reviewing the deployment process to address security concerns by posting prospective corps members to regions where they studied or are familiar with, particularly in areas facing security challenges.
According to him, the measure is expected to ease concerns among parents and prospective corps members while making deployments more practical and effective.
Olawande also dismissed reports that the military would be removed from the NYSC, describing the claims as a misunderstanding.
He clarified that while the operational leadership of the scheme would be headed by a civilian under the new reforms, the military would continue to provide security support and perform its traditional role during orientation camps.
The reforms follow the approval of a comprehensive overhaul of the NYSC by the Federal Executive Council earlier this week.
As part of the reforms, the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Ministry of Youth Development have been directed to amend the NYSC Act and relevant regulations to accommodate the changes.
The Federal Government said the reforms are aimed at transforming the 53-year-old scheme into a skills-driven and productivity-focused institution that supports youth empowerment and national economic development.
