President Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate employment of 200 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) honourees into the federal civil service.
In recognition of their exemplary service during the 2020–2023 service years, each awardee will receive a cash award of ₦250,000, along with scholarships for postgraduate studies at Nigerian universities.
The President, represented by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, made the announcement at the combined President’s NYSC Honours Award Ceremony held in Abuja.
He commended the recipients for their “discipline, commitment, selflessness, teamwork, patriotism, and integrity.”
He added: “The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission will immediately begin their employment process.”
The President also pledged automatic federal employment for ten physically challenged former corps members who sustained disabilities while serving.
“We will never forget their sacrifice,” he said.
“In appreciation of their service to the nation, all the awardees will receive ₦250,000. Finally, each award recipient will be granted a scholarship to pursue postgraduate programmes up to a degree in any university in the country.”
He underscored his administration’s youth-focused policies, stating: “In appreciation of these critical roles played by youth in national development… the government developed several youth‑related programmes, covering education, skills development, technology, and information sustainability.”
He urged young Nigerians to remain steadfast: “…to continue to have faith in Nigeria… not to yield to those seeking to destabilise the nation.”
Top Awardees Honoured
The ceremony highlighted the nation’s top-performing corps members: Nunaya Polycarp Nunaya (Adamawa, served in Kwara), Okpogbo Alvin Chinedu (Imo, served in Cross River), Dr Ugwa Obinna Mark (Abia, served in Cross River), and Rabiu Quadri Mayokun (Osun, served in Rivers).
In the female category, the best overall awardees were Akase Pati Ence Nguwasen (Benue, served in Gombe) and Igwe Anne Chikaodi (Enugu, served in Sokoto).
Youth Development Commitments
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, praised President Tinubu’s dedication, saying “Your presence here is a testament to the deep‑rooted love you have for our nation’s young people.”
He emphasised that the awardees are role models whose service and integrity inspire nationwide.
Olawande reaffirmed the government’s initiatives in technology, renewable energy, start‑up backing, and leadership inclusion.
He also welcomed the recent NYSC stipend increase from ₦33,000 to ₦77,000. “This decision reflects our recognition of the vital role youth play in nation‑building,” he said.
NYSC Leadership Highlights Broader Impact
Brigadier-General Olakunle Nafiu, Director-General of NYSC, lauded Nigerian youth as “the future of our great nation and a vital force for our collective progress and preservation of our social, cultural, and national heritage.”
He noted the reforms underway, including the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund and the National Talent Export Programme, aimed at enhancing post-service opportunities for corps members.
The pending NYSC Trust Fund Bill, he said, is expected to provide a sustainable funding structure for the scheme.
Nafiu highlighted the NYSC’s role in providing healthcare and education to underserved communities. In 2025 alone, over 6,000 medical personnel were deployed under the Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers, benefiting more than four million Nigerians. Over 250,000 corps members participated annually in the revamped skills acquisition programme.
Addressing honourees, he declared: “You may have left the khaki behind, but you now wear the confidence of a great nation… You are ambassadors of unity and innovators of hope.”
- FG Urges ASUU to Call Off Strike, Threatens ‘No Work, No Pay - October 13, 2025
- ASUU Declares Two-Week Warning Strike Across Public Universities - October 12, 2025
- Maryam Sanda Walks Free as Tinubu Grants Pardon to 175 Nigerians - October 12, 2025