The Federal Government has announced intentions to replace the iconic khaki uniform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) with Adire cloth as part of significant revisions to the 53-year-old institution.

Ayodele Olawande, Minister of Youth Development, revealed this in a television interview, explaining that the measure aims to stimulate local textile manufacture and help Nigeria’s economy.

According to the minister, the new uniforms would be sourced from local Adire producers, mainly in Ogun and Kwara states, in order to support indigenous companies and maintain government spending within the country.

Aside from the uniform change, Olawande stated that corps members will henceforth be deployed depending on their academic qualifications and professional choices, rather than the present generic posting method.

He said that graduates educated as teachers, for example, would undergo further training at an orientation camp before being assigned to schools, making the program more structured and skill-based.

The minister also stated that the government is evaluating deployment procedures to allow corps members to serve in places they are more familiar with, particularly those affected by insecurity.

He denied allegations that the military would be withdrawn from the NYSC organization, stating that their responsibility in securing corps members remains unaltered.

In addition, the orientation program has been expanded to six weeks, with a larger emphasis on entrepreneurship, vocational training, civic responsibility, and employability.

The revisions, recently approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), are part of President Bola Tinubu’s objective to better train young Nigerians with practical skills while also promoting national growth.

The announcement elicited varied emotions online, with many Nigerians questioning the proposed replacement of the NYSC khaki uniform with Adire.