Aniefiok Christopher
Dr. Reuben Abati, ARISE NEWS analyst has called on National Youth Service Scheme (NYSC) to stop awarding contract replace the scheme uniforms but to concentrate on improving the scheme.
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, had announced that the NYSC would replace its traditional khaki uniform with Adire fabric as part of the reforms recently approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
Abati, a Nigerian journalist and television presenter, noted that it would be unwise to award contract worth billions of Naira for the supply of NYSC kit items to corps members when the scheme is faced with a lot of challenges, which the management should think of how to improve them.
You read: Abati Identifies ‘Hubris’ As Wike’s Character flaw
He recalled that during his heydays as a corps member, NYSC kit lists- a pair of khaki trouser, fez cap and crested vest – were superior to what is obtainable today such that one could pass them after service year to his siblings for use.
‘‘In fact, our kit lists were of high quality such an ex-NYSC member could keep to show his first child after marriage. The khaki trouser was solid, fez cap and crested vest were of superior quality compared to what are being used today,’’ the newspaper columnist noted.
Straightnews learnt that some of challenges facing NYSC are insecurity, inadequate funding and infrastructure, poor remuneration, and administrative corruption (posting manipulation and ghost corps members).
Minister Announces FG’s Plans to replace traditional kit items
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Thursday, Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande said the decision was designed to promote local industries by ensuring that government spending supports Nigerian textile producers.
You also read: Abati, Balogun dispel Gov El-rufai’s claim of Obi ordering his arrest
According to him, the new uniform will be made from Adire, a locally produced fabric with a long history in Nigeria.
“It’s Adire. So, Adire is being produced in Nigeria. We have them in Ogun. We have them in Kwara. We have textile industry. Let’s put our money back into the country,” he said.
Beyond the uniform change, Olawande stated that the government is also overhauling the corps members’ deployment process to ensure graduates are posted in line with their academic and professional backgrounds.
Minister backtracks on replacing NYSC kit items
However, the minister had, on Thursday, backtracked that the Federal Government has yet to approve Adire as the new uniform for members of the National Youth Service Corps, hours after his comments on the proposed change generated widespread reactions.
In a statement published on his official X handle, Olawande said reports suggesting that Adire had been adopted to replace the iconic khaki uniform misrepresented his remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief.
Olawande explained that while he mentioned Adire and Ankara during the interview, they were only examples of proposals being considered as part of the ongoing reform of the scheme, adding that “No final decision has been taken on the fabric or design.”
“My intention was simply to cite examples of some of the proposals that have been put forward in the course of our consultations. It was not an announcement that any particular fabric has been adopted or approved to replace the current NYSC uniform,” the Minister stated.
According to him, the government is considering options that “tick all the right boxes in terms of professional outlook, a unique national identity, durability, functionality, cost-effectiveness, and the projection of national pride.”
He said any eventual decision would be guided by extensive stakeholders’ consultations and what best serves the interests of the NYSC and the country.
The minister, therefore, urged Nigerians not to allow the debate over the proposed uniform to overshadow the broader objectives of the ongoing reforms.
“The reforms are designed to make the Scheme more relevant to today’s realities by improving employability, promoting entrepreneurship, strengthening national integration, enhancing service delivery, and creating a smoother transition from education to productive careers.
You also read: Nigerians Berate Keyamo for describing Minister of State as aberration
“While conversations around the uniform are understandable, they should not overshadow the far-reaching reforms aimed at empowering millions of Nigerian youths and positioning the NYSC as a stronger platform for national development,” he said.
The proposed uniform change formed part of the comprehensive overhaul of the NYSC approved by the Federal Executive Council on Monday, which also includes skills-based deployment of corps members, civilian operational leadership for the scheme and amendments to the NYSC Act.
