The clarification comes after the minister's earlier remarks during a television interview sparked reports suggesting that the government had concluded plans to replace the iconic khaki uniform with Adire as part of ongoing reforms of the NYSC scheme.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Olawande had highlighted the importance of promoting locally made products and supporting Nigeria's textile industry, using Adire as an example of fabrics that could be considered.
"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."
His comments came shortly after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved a series of reforms for the one-year national service programme during its meeting on Monday.
Following the council's decision, the minister announced that the government had retained the one-year duration of the NYSC while approving seven key reform initiatives. The reforms include the digitalisation of the scheme, a proposed transition in the leadership structure from military to civilian management, and a redesign of the corps members' uniform.
Minister retracts reports of Adire approval
However, in a statement posted on his X account on Thursday, Olawande clarified that his mention of Adire was merely illustrative and should not have been interpreted as an official policy announcement.
According to him, no fabric has been selected or approved to replace the current NYSC khaki uniform.
"My attention has been drawn to some media reports following my brief appearance earlier this morning on Channels TV regarding the ongoing reforms of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), particularly on the issue of the proposed uniform.
"For the avoidance of doubt, yes, I mentioned Adire during the discussion. I also mentioned Ankara. 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 stressed that consultations on the uniform redesign are still ongoing and that the government is carefully evaluating different proposals before reaching any conclusion.
He explained that any new design would have to meet several important criteria, including professionalism, durability, functionality, affordability and its ability to reflect Nigeria's national identity.
"For the record, what we are considering are different 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. No final decision has been taken on the fabric or design.
"As with every aspect of the ongoing NYSC reforms, any eventual decision will be guided by extensive stakeholder engagement and what best serves the interests of the Scheme and the nation."
Focus should remain on broader NYSC reforms
Olawande also urged Nigerians not to allow discussions about the proposed uniform to overshadow the broader objectives of the ongoing reforms, which are aimed at strengthening the NYSC and improving opportunities for young Nigerians.
According to him, the reform agenda is focused on improving the employability of graduates, encouraging entrepreneurship, promoting national integration, enhancing service delivery, and making the transition from education to productive careers easier for corps members.
"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.
"I appreciate the constructive feedback and assure Nigerians that every proposal will continue to be carefully considered in the best interest of the nation."
The clarification effectively puts to rest reports that the government had already settled for Adire as the new NYSC uniform. While the redesign remains part of the broader reform agenda approved by the Federal Executive Council, authorities insist that consultations are ongoing and that no final decision has been taken on the choice of fabric or the eventual design.