The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has confirmed that one of the approved reforms for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) will see corps members replace the traditional khaki uniform with Adire fabric. Speaking on Channels Television’s *The Morning Brief* on Thursday, Olawande said the change is intended to boost local production and ensure government spending benefits Nigerian manufacturers.
He explained that the Adire uniforms would be produced locally, noting that states such as Ogun and Kwara already have established textile industries capable of meeting demand. The minister also revealed that the ongoing restructuring of the NYSC would ensure corps members are posted according to their academic qualifications and professional backgrounds. For example, graduates with education-related degrees would be assigned to schools based on their training rather than through the current general posting system.
According to him, the new posting framework would be determined during orientation camp, allowing deployments to better reflect each corps member’s area of expertise. Olawande further disclosed that the government is considering posting corps members to regions where they studied or are familiar with, particularly in areas facing security challenges. He said the measure would ease concerns among parents and improve the efficiency of the deployment process while still meeting the scheme’s objectives.
He added that those interested in serving outside familiar regions would still have the opportunity to do so, but the revised approach would reduce the need for redeployments. The minister also dismissed reports suggesting the military would be removed from the NYSC, describing the claims as a misunderstanding.
He clarified that while the scheme’s operational leadership would be headed by a civilian, the military would continue to play a key role in providing security for corps members across the country. The reforms follow the Federal Executive Council’s approval of a comprehensive overhaul of the NYSC on Monday, marking the first major restructuring of the scheme since its establishment 53 years ago.
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 facilitate implementation.Under the new structure, the NYSC will operate under civilian leadership, with the military retaining responsibility for nationwide security support. The Federal Government said the reforms are designed to transform the scheme into a skills-focused, productivity-driven and youth empowerment institution that supports its vision of building a $1 trillion economy.
Source: https://thenationonlineng.net/
