By Hosea Parah
The National Parent-Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) has described the Federal Government’s proposal to replace the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) khaki uniform with a locally-produced fabric as a patriotic initiative.
The chairman of the board of trustees of NAPTAN, Adeolu Ogunbanjo, said in Lagos State on Sunday that the initiative would promote industrial development, cultural identity and economic growth.
Ogunbanjo stated that replacing the khaki with an indigenous fabric would empower local producers, create employment opportunities, encourage local content development and foster national unity.
“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,” he said.
The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Lagos State elders’ forum, described the proposed reforms of the NYSC as holistic, far-reaching and commendable.
The chairman, Tunde Bejide, said the reforms were beyond uniforms and extended to leadership development, career advancement and entrepreneurship education for young Nigerians.
Bejide said replacing corps members’ khaki uniforms with a locally produced fabric would symbolise the 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, said 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 it must preserve the 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 suitable for the rigours of national service.
He advised that reforms should preserve the NYSC’s traditions and unifying values.
“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.
A lawyer, Okeke Onyekachukwu, said the khaki uniform conveyed discipline, patriotism, and the recognition associated with the NYSC.
Onyekachukwu said replacing khaki could diminish its emotional appeal among prospective corps members.
He also said that preserving military traditions through the Khaki uniform would better prepare youths for contemporary security realities.
“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,” he said.
A teacher, Adesegun Akinsanya, said any decision about corps members’ uniform must prioritise their comfort, gain public acceptance, and reflect Nigeria’s rich cultural and creative heritage.
Recall that the Minister of Youth Development, Olawande Ayodele, a few days ago, 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 under consideration, 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.