In a major cultural and modernisation shift for Nigeria’s youth service programme, the traditional khaki uniform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is set to be replaced with outfits made from Adire fabric, a iconic indigenous tie-and-dye textile.

The announcement forms part of sweeping reforms approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reposition the NYSC for a changing economy and to promote national pride through local culture.

According to details of the reform package, the current standard white T-shirt and khaki trousers will give way to Adire-designed uniforms that retain the NYSC logo. The changes also include replacing heavy boots with Crocs and lighter training shoes, alongside a shift from the traditional Passing Out Parade (POP) to a new graduation ceremony.

The move is expected to boost local textile industries, particularly Adire production, which is deeply rooted in Yoruba cultural heritage and primarily produced in southwestern Nigeria. Adire, known for its vibrant patterns created through resist-dyeing techniques, has long been celebrated as a symbol of Nigerian creativity and identity.

The reforms stem from recommendations aimed at enhancing professionalism, improving camp conditions, and aligning the NYSC with contemporary realities more than 50 years after its establishment. Legal amendments to the NYSC Act are expected to follow to fully implement the changes.

This development has sparked mixed reactions online, with some hailing it as a welcome embrace of indigenous culture and others viewing it as a symbolic departure from the scheme’s original military-style discipline.

Further details on the timeline for rollout and design specifications are anticipated from the Federal Ministry of Youth Development in the coming weeks.

• Solomon Dalung

” If the council was fake, explain how it entered the budget.”

Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, has criticised the Presidency’s defence of the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, over the alleged activities of Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, saying the official response leaves several critical questions unanswered.

Dalung was reacting to a statement by Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, which sought to clear Gbajabiamila of any involvement in the matter.

According to Dalung, while the Presidency attempted to exonerate the Chief of Staff, its explanation highlighted what he described as significant gaps in government oversight.

He argued that regardless of the outcome of the ongoing court proceedings involving Adeyemi, the Presidency still owes Nigerians an explanation of how a purportedly fictitious presidential agency allegedly operated within government circles without being detected.

Dalung questioned how an individual could allegedly establish a fake government agency, forge an appointment letter, operate from the Federal Secretariat, recruit personnel, engage with government institutions, meet diplomats and reportedly obtain a Central Bank of Nigeria account without attracting official scrutiny.

He also expressed concern over reports that the alleged agency appeared in the national budget, noting that budget proposals undergo several stages of executive and legislative review before approval.

“If the council was fake, explain how it entered the budget,” Dalung said.

( Daily Trust)

The Federal Government has expressed delight over the suspension of the teachers’ strike in Oyo State, describing the development as a major victory for dialogue, collaboration and the education of Nigerian children.

The Federal Ministry of Education announced that the resolution followed sustained engagement and constructive collaboration among the Federal Ministry of Education, the Oyo State Government and the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) at the national, zonal and state levels, paving the way for teachers to return to classrooms and restoring uninterrupted learning across the state.

The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, said the successful resolution reflects the collective commitment of all stakeholders to place the interests, safety and future of learners above every other consideration.

“I am glad to report today that the strike has been suspended. Teachers are now returning to school to educate their students. This is the result of our collaboration and coordination with the leadership of the National Union of Teachers and the Government of Oyo State,” the Minister stated.

Dr. Alausa commended the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for his exemplary leadership and commitment to resolving the impasse through dialogue.

He also expressed appreciation to the National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Comrade Audu Titus Amba, the Zonal President, Comrade Hassan Ajibola Fatai, the leadership of the Oyo State Wing of the Union, and members of its Executive Committee for demonstrating statesmanship and putting the interests of learners first in reaching an amicable resolution.

The Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian child enjoys uninterrupted access to quality education despite the security challenges confronting parts of the country. He stressed that those who seek to spread fear by attacking innocent citizens and disrupting education will not succeed in denying children their right to learn.

“Our children will remain in school, and we will continue to educate them. We will not succumb to terror. This administration remains resolute in confronting insecurity with every available resource and ensuring that our schools continue to serve as safe places for teaching and learning,” he said.

Dr. Alausa also paid tribute to teachers across Nigeria for their patriotism, resilience and unwavering dedication to nurturing future generations, describing them as indispensable partners in national development whose sacrifices continue to strengthen the nation’s education system.

The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with state governments, teachers’ unions, security agencies and other stakeholders to strengthen school safety, promote constructive dialogue and safeguard every child’s right to uninterrupted, quality education in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.