NAPTAN, Others Back Plan to Replace NYSC Khaki With Local Fabric
The National Parent-Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) and other stakeholders have thrown their weight behind the federal government’s proposal to replace the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) khaki uniform with a locally-produced fabric, saying the move would promote indigenous industries, create jobs, boost economic growth and strengthen national identity.
Chairman of NAPTAN’s Board of Trustees, Mr. Adeolu Ogunbanjo, described the proposal as a patriotic initiative that would encourage local content development while fostering national unity.
Speaking on Sunday in Lagos, Ogunbanjo said the association fully supported the plan.
“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 and tribal sentiments on this proposal,” he said.
According to him, replacing the khaki uniform with an indigenous fabric would empower local producers, create employment opportunities and stimulate industrial development.
The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Lagos State Elders Forum, also endorsed the proposal, describing the planned reforms of the NYSC as holistic, far-reaching and commendable.
Its chairman, Mr. Tunde Bejide, said the reforms went beyond a change of uniform to include leadership development, career advancement and entrepreneurship education for young Nigerians.
He said replacing the khaki uniform with a locally-produced fabric would symbolise a transition from military-style traditions to a more civilian-oriented leadership culture.
“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,” Bejide said.
An undergraduate, Miss Chioma Okebugwu, also supported the proposal, saying it would promote indigenous industries and Nigeria’s cultural heritage. She, however, stressed that any replacement should preserve the NYSC’s identity, practicality and spirit of national unity.
However, a retired Director of Information and Public Relations at the NYSC, Mr. Eddy Megwa, urged caution, arguing that the khaki uniform had become a defining symbol of the scheme.
Megwa, a former Lagos State Coordinator of the NYSC, said the khaki uniform had stood the test of time and remained suitable for the rigours of national service.
“Khaki represents the shared identity and enduring traditions of the NYSC, and any reforms should strengthen rather than diminish the scheme’s unifying character,” he said.
Also speaking, lawyer Mr. Okeke Onyekachukwu, said the khaki uniform symbolised discipline, patriotism and the identity associated with the NYSC, warning that replacing it could weaken its emotional appeal.
“There is special beauty and a message in the NYSC khaki uniform. It sends a strong message to both the literate and illiterate, the young and the old. Abandoning it for Adire or any other fabric risks weakening its identity,” he said.
A teacher, Mr. Adesegun Akinsanya, said any decision on the corps members’ uniform should prioritise their comfort, enjoy public acceptance and reflect Nigeria’s rich cultural and creative heritage.
The debate followed recent comments by the Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Olawande Ayodele, who disclosed that the federal government was considering replacing the NYSC khaki uniform with a locally-produced fabric.
The minister, however, clarified that the government had not approved the replacement of the khaki uniform with Adire, explaining that both Adire and Ankara were cited only as examples of proposals under consideration.
According to him, no final decision has been taken, as the government is evaluating several options based on professional appearance, national identity, durability, functionality, affordability and the promotion of national pride.
He added that any eventual decision would emerge from extensive stakeholder consultations and would be guided by what best serves the interests of the NYSC and Nigeria.
