The National Parent-Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) has described as a patriotic initiative the Federal Government’s proposal to replace the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Khaki uniform with a locally-produced fabric.
The Chairman of Board of Trustees of NAPTAN, Adeolu Ogunbanjo, made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Speaking on Sunday in Lagos, he said the initiative would promote industrial development, cultural identity, and economic growth.
Ogunbanjo said that replacing the Khaki with an indigenous fabric would empower local producers, create employment opportunities, encourage local content development, and foster national unity.
He said: “We, NAPTAN, are in full support of the plan.
“It is a good idea.
“We must support the use of indigenous fabrics and discourage sectional, tribal sentiments on this proposal.”
The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Lagos State Elders Forum also described the proposed reforms of the NYSC as holistic, far-reaching, and commendable.
The Chairman, Tunde Bejide, said that the reforms were beyond uniforms and extended to leadership development, career advancement, and entrepreneurship education for young Nigerians.
Bejide said that replacing corps members’ Khaki uniform with a locally-produced fabric would symbolise transition from military-style traditions to a more civilian-oriented leadership culture.
He added that sourcing the material locally would strengthen indigenous industries, boost economic activities, promote Nigeria’s cultural heritage, and encourage professionalism.
“Adoption of a locally-produced uniform will reflect civilian leadership ideals, promote indigenous culture, boost local industries, strengthen economic growth and encourage professionalism among youths,” he said.
An undergraduate, Chioma Okebugwu, told NAN that replacing the Khaki with a locally-produced fabric would promote indigenous industries and cultural heritage.
According to her, using a locally-made fabric for corps members’ uniform is laudable and economically beneficial, but must preserve NYSC’s enduring identity, practicality, and spirit of unity.
However, a retired Director of Information and Public Relations at the NYSC, Eddy Megwa, urged caution on the proposal, saying that Khaki had given the scheme an identity.
Megwa, a former Lagos State Coordinator of the NYSC, said that Khaki had also proven to be suitable for the rigours of national service.
He advised that reforms should preserve the NYSC’s traditions and unifying values.
He said: “Khaki represents the shared identity and enduring traditions of the NYSC, and any reforms should strengthen rather than diminish the scheme’s unifying character.”
A lawyer, Okeke Onyekachukwu, said that the Khaki uniform conveyed discipline, patriotism, and the recognition attached to NYSC.
Onyekachukwu said that replacing Khaki could diminish its emotional appeal among prospective corps members.
He also said that preserving military traditions through the Khaki uniform would prepare youths better for contemporary security realities.
He said: “There is special beauty and a message in the NYSC Khaki uniform.
“It sends a strong information/message to both the literate and illiterate, the young, and the old.
“Abandoning it for adire or any other fabric risks weakening its identity.”
A teacher, Adesegun Akinsanya, said any decision about corps members’ uniform must prioritise their comfort, have public acceptance, and reflect Nigeria’s rich cultural and creative heritage.
Recall that the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said that the Federal Government was considering replacing corps members’ Khaki uniform with a local fabric.
The minister clarified that the government had not approved the replacement of the Khaki uniform with Adire fabric, contrary to widespread reports that followed his appearance on Channels Television.
He explained that although he mentioned both Adire and Ankara during the interview, they were only examples of proposals currently being considered and not an announcement that any particular fabric had been adopted.
According to him, the government is evaluating several options based on factors including professional appearance, national identity, durability, functionality, affordability, and promotion of national pride.
“No final decision has been taken on the fabric or design,” he said, adding that any eventual choice would emerge from extensive stakeholder consultations and would be guided by what would best serve the interests of the NYSC and Nigeria.
