Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, confirmed the development on Thursday during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, explaining that the move is part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s textile industry and keep government spending within the domestic economy.
“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,” Olawande said.
The shift is expected to encourage local production hubs in states such as Ogun and Kwara, where Adire fabric has long been a cultural and commercial staple.
Posting reforms: corps members to be deployed based on skills
Beyond the uniform change, the minister also outlined a new framework that would align corps members’ postings with their academic qualifications and areas of specialisation.
Under the revised system, graduates trained in education, for instance, would be assigned directly to schools instead of being posted arbitrarily.
“That after you are leaving the camp, you are not just posted to a school just because NYSC wants you to be in school but because of the process you followed when in camp,” he said.
According to him, the reform is intended to make placements more structured and ensure corps members contribute more effectively to sectors that match their training.
Security concerns shape proposed deployment adjustments
Olawande also addressed ongoing security challenges in parts of the country, noting that the government is considering a more flexible deployment model that takes corps members’ familiarity with regions into account.
He said the idea is to reduce anxiety among parents while improving safety and efficiency in postings.
“If we have a particular area that is having insecurity, instead of probably forcing people or parents to start talking, we must also give them an opportunity that ‘okay, who are those in that area, that schooled in that area, that know much about that area?’” he said.
He added that corps members could be encouraged, rather than compelled, to serve in regions they are familiar with, depending on interest and suitability.
Military role remains in NYSC structure
Amid public speculation, the minister dismissed claims that the military would be removed from the NYSC framework, clarifying that their role remains intact.
“We are not taking the military out of NYSC, it’s just a misconception… Military is not taken away, there is no how you can take the military away,” he said.
He explained that the reforms only involve a shift toward civilian-led operational management, while the military will continue to support security arrangements for corps members nationwide.
Federal Executive Council backs comprehensive restructuring
The changes follow approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), which endorsed a major overhaul of the NYSC—the most significant reform since the scheme was created 53 years ago.
The FEC also directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Ministry of Youth Development to amend the NYSC Act and supporting regulations to enable implementation.
Under the new vision, the NYSC is expected to evolve into a more skills-driven and productivity-focused institution aligned with the government’s broader economic ambition of building a $1 trillion economy.
The restructuring marks a shift from a purely mobilisation-based programme to one that emphasises professional development, national integration, and economic contribution.