The Federal Government is considering replacing the National Youth Service Corps’ traditional khaki uniform with locally produced Adire as part of wider reforms aimed at repositioning the scheme.
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, disclosed this on Thursday during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, saying the proposal is intended to promote local textile production and ensure government spending supports the Nigerian economy.
“It’s Adire. Adire is being produced in Nigeria. We have them in Ogun, we have them in Kwara, we have the textile industry. Let’s put our money back into the country,” he said.
Olawande also revealed that the proposed reforms would see corps members increasingly deployed according to their academic qualifications and professional backgrounds.
He explained that graduates with education-related degrees, for instance, would be posted to schools based on their area of study rather than through the current general deployment system.
“After you are leaving the camp, you are not just posted to a school because NYSC wants you to be in a school, but because of the process you followed while in camp. That is going to provide a framework for where you will be posted,” he said.
On security, the minister said the government was considering posting prospective corps members to regions where they studied or are already familiar with the environment, particularly in areas facing security challenges.
According to him, the approach would reduce safety concerns among parents and prospective corps members while making the deployment process more practical and efficient.
“If you have an interest in going to the North-East, why not? But if you don’t, instead of redeploying you after camp and going through unnecessary processes, we want to identify those who are already familiar with those geographical areas and can serve there while ensuring the scheme remains impactful,” he said.
Olawande also dismissed reports suggesting the military would be removed from the NYSC, describing the claims as a misconception.
He explained that while the proposed reforms provide for civilian leadership of the scheme’s operations, the military will continue to play its role in providing security support for corps members across the country.
