President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate employment of 200 outstanding National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members into the federal civil service, while also awarding each of them a ₦250,000 cash gift and a scholarship to pursue postgraduate studies in any Nigerian university.
The President gave the directive on Tuesday during the combined President’s NYSC Honours Award Ceremony for the 2020–2023 service years, held in Abuja.
Speaking through the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, President Tinubu praised the awardees for demonstrating “discipline, commitment, selflessness, teamwork, patriotism, and integrity” during their service year.
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 programs up to a degree in any university in the country.”
He assured the honorees that employment into the civil service would commence without delay.
“The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission will immediately begin their employment process,” he said.
President Tinubu also showed compassion toward 10 physically challenged former corps members who sustained disabilities during their service. He directed that they too be given federal employment, saying their sacrifice to the nation would not be forgotten.
Beyond the awards and appointments, the President reaffirmed his administration’s focus on youth development and nation-building.
“In appreciation of these critical roles played by youth in national development, and to put them in the foreground of our economy, the government developed several youth-related programs, covering education, skills development, technology, and information sustainability,” he stated.
He called on Nigerian youths to remain hopeful and steadfast, urging them not to give in to forces working to undermine the country.
He said, “I urge you to continue to have faith in Nigeria. Do not yield to those seeking to destabilize the nation.”
The ceremony recognized the best overall performers among both male and female awardees.
The top four male awardees were: Nunaya Polycarp Nunaya (20B – KW/20B/0001) from Adamawa State, who served in Kwara State; Okpogbo Alvin Chinedu (21A) from Imo State, who served in Cross River State; Dr. Ugwa Obinna Mark (23B) from Abia State, who served in Cross River State and Rabiu Quadri Mayokun (23C) from Osun State, who served in Rivers State.
In the female category, the best overall awardees were: Akase Pati Ence Nguwasen (21A) from Benue State, who served in Gombe State and Igwe Anne Chikaodi (23C) from Enugu State, who served in Sokoto State.
However, minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, lauded President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to the future of Nigerian youth.
The Minister said: “Your presence here is a testament to the deep-rooted love you have for our nation’s young people,” highlighting the President’s record of supporting youth development initiatives.
He explained that the ceremony was an opportunity to recognise hard work, creativity, and integrity demonstrated by ex-Corps members from across Nigeria.
Meanwhile, The Director-General of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, in his remarks, lauded the contributions of Nigerian youth to the nation’s progress, declaring them “the future of our great nation and a vital force for our collective progress and preservation of our social, cultural, and national heritage.”
Nafiu hailed recent government initiatives, expressing gratitude for President Tinubu’s approval of an ₦77,000 allowance for corps members. “This has gone a long way in boosting the morale and strength of corps members’ commitment,” he said.
The DG noted that beyond improved remuneration, the administration’s broader youth-focused agenda—such as the revitalized Nigerian Youth Investment Fund and the National Talent Export Programme have “given corps members greater access to post-service funding and global tech opportunities.”
