The Federal Government has explained why it plans to replace the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) traditional khaki uniform with locally produced Adire fabric.

It said the move is designed to revive Nigeria’s textile industry, create jobs and keep government spending within the local economy.

Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, disclosed this on Thursday during an appearance on C

According to the minister, Adire is already being produced in several states, including Ogun State and Kwara State.

He said the decision to make Adire a practical replacement for the current khaki uniform will boost indigenous manufacturers.

“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,” Olawande said.

The minister also disclosed that the government intends to align corps members’ postings with their academic qualifications to make the service year more productive.

He explained that graduates trained as teachers and other professionals would be deployed based on information gathered during the orientation camp rather than through random postings.

“After leaving camp, you are not just posted to a school because NYSC wants you there, but because of the process you followed in camp. That will provide a framework for where you are posted,” he said.

On security, Olawande said the government is considering posting corps members to regions where they studied or are more familiar with.

According to him, this is especially in view of security concerns in parts of the country.

He noted that the proposal would reduce the growing number of redeployment requests while addressing concerns raised by parents and prospective corps members.

“If you have an interest in serving in the North East, that’s fine. But if you don’t, instead of posting and later redeploying you, we are looking at how people can serve in geographical areas they are familiar with while ensuring the scheme remains impactful,” he said.

The minister also dismissed reports that the military would be removed from the NYSC.

The proposed reforms represent the first major overhaul of the scheme since its establishment in 1973.

As part of the decision, the council directed the Attorney General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to amend the NYSC Act and other relevant regulations to accommodate the new framework.

Source: Daily Trust