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The Federal Government has announced plans to replace the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) traditional khaki uniform with locally produced Adire fabric as part of reforms designed to modernise and strengthen the scheme.
Speaking on Channels Television's The Morning Brief on Thursday, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said the initiative is aimed at boosting local textile production and ensuring government spending benefits Nigerian manufacturers.
According to the minister, Adire is produced in states such as Ogun and Kwara, which have thriving textile industries, and adopting the fabric for NYSC uniforms will help stimulate the local economy.
Olawande also revealed that future corps members will be deployed based more closely on their academic qualifications and professional skills. For example, graduates with education degrees will be assigned to schools, ensuring their expertise is put to better use rather than being posted without regard to their field of study.
He explained that this matching process would begin during orientation camp, with information gathered there helping to determine appropriate postings after camp.
On security, the minister said the government is considering assigning corps members to regions where they studied or are already familiar with the environment, particularly in areas experiencing security concerns. He noted that this approach would reduce anxiety among parents and participants while making deployment more efficient. Those who wish to serve in other regions, such as the North-East, would still be able to indicate their interest.
Olawande also dismissed claims that the military would be removed from the NYSC, clarifying that the armed forces will continue to provide security support for corps members across the country.
The proposed changes follow the Federal Executive Council's approval of a comprehensive reform of the NYSC—the first major overhaul of the scheme since it was established in 1973. As part of the reforms, the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development have been directed to amend the NYSC Act and related regulations. The revised framework will place the scheme under civilian operational leadership while retaining military support for security.
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