The National Parent-Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) has described as a patriotic initiative,  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, said on Sunday in Lagos that 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.

“We, NAPTAN, are in full support of the plan.  It is a good idea.

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 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.

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 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  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.

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.

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, Olawande  Ayodele,  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 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.

Former First Lady, Hajiya A’isha Buhari, recently inaugurated the construction of a College of Computing Complex at Al-Qalam University, Katsina.

The project is being funded with proceeds from the book: “From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari”, published to document the life and public service of the late former President.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, the former first lady said the initiative reflects the family’s commitment to preserving President Buhari’s legacy through investments in education and human capital development.

She described education as the late president’s greatest legacy, adding that the project demonstrates the family’s preference for investing in knowledge and innovation rather than monuments.

According to her, the commencement of the College of Computing Complex marks the beginning of a vision to equip future generations with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

She noted that the facility would stand as a lasting testament to the late Buhari’s life of duty, discipline, integrity, and unwavering commitment to national development.

Mrs Buhari said: “Channelling proceeds from the legacy book into an educational institution reflects the belief that the greatest memorial is one that nurtures knowledge, character, and opportunities for generations to come.”

She stressed that countries investing in computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, software engineering, and digital innovation would shape the future of the global economy.

The ex-first lady expressed optimism that every lecture delivered in the complex would inspire excellence, and that every graduate would combine integrity with intelligence to advance the development of Katsina State, Nigeria, and Africa.

Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina State, represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Faruk Lawal-Jobe, commended the Buhari family for sustaining the late president’s ideals through investments in education.

Radda described the proposed complex as a remarkable contribution to education and knowledge, noting that “there is no greater investment than one that enlightens society.”

He also praised the former first lady for continuing to champion educational development after the demise of the former president.

Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Nasiru Musa-Yauri, described the project as a landmark intervention that would transform the teaching and learning of computing-related disciplines in the institution.

He said the complex would comprise two 150-seat lecture halls, a 200-seat auditorium, three computer laboratories with 50 computers each, offices for 20 academic staff equipped with furniture and computers, alongside other supporting facilities.

Musa-Yauri said: “Although the university has offered Computer Science since 2005, it has never had dedicated facilities of this magnitude.”

According to him, the project will provide modern facilities for training students in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, and Software Engineering, while strengthening practical learning, research, and innovation.

 “It will also improve research and practical training in computing disciplines and reinforce the institution’s position as one of Northern Nigeria’s emerging centres for technology education,” he said.

The Edo State Security Squad (ESSS) has given July 30 as deadline for businesses in the state to complete installation of functional Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) systems in their business premises to help fight insecurity or face clamp down.

The ESSS urged all business owners across the state to obey the directive to assist the government and security agencies in the state in the fight against insecurity.

Addressing newsmen in Benin on Monday, the Spokesperson for the squad, Noah Idemudia sis that CCTV cameras would help security agencies investigate crimes they might, otherwise, miss and uncover vital evidence.

“Business owners are encouraged to install effective, working cameras within their business areas. We appeal to the general public and the business community to comply for everyone’s safety.

“With your cameras, we can piece security breach incidents together as professionals. Please comply with us to make Edo a safe place,” Idemudia said.

On the planned July 7/7 celebrations by some cult groups, the spokesperson warned members of the public to desist from such activities, stating that anyone caught would be prosecuted.

“We are already taking action. You cannot carry out such rites in Benin. Even if you go outside Benin, you will still be apprehended. So there is no point.

“If you already have the intention of celebrating, please cancel it now because when you are arrested, you will be prosecuted accordingly,” Idemudia said.

He reiterated the need to invite and profile all community leaders across the state in collaboration with the palace of the Oba of Benin.

He, however, warned impostors parading themselves as community leaders to desist, noting that anyone caught would face appropriate consequences.

Idemudia disclosed that the squad recently arrested two suspects from Auchi and Uromi for cultism and illegal possession of firearms.

He said the suspects would be charged before the mobile court established by Gov.  Monday Okpebholo to fast-track trial of suspected cultists and kidnappers.