President Bola Tinubu has approved the immediate employment of 200 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) President’s Honours Award recipients into the federal civil service.
Each beneficiary would also receive a N250,000 cash award and postgraduate scholarships up to PhD level in any Nigerian university.
President Tinubu also announced automatic employment for 10 physically challenged ex-Corps members who sustained injuries in the line of duty, describing them as heroes whose sacrifices will never be forgotten.
Represented by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, at the combined 2020–2023 NYSC President’s Honours Award ceremony held in Abuja, the President said the gesture was a demonstration of the government’s commitment to youth development and national service.
He commended the awardees for their patriotism, discipline, selflessness, and exemplary service, noting that their sacrifices were critical to the country’s social cohesion and long-term prosperity.
“The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and the Federal Civil Service Commission have been directed to immediately commence the employment process.
“In appreciation of their service to the nation, all honourees will receive N250,000. Each award recipient will also be granted a scholarship to pursue postgraduate programmes up to PhD level in any university in the country, ” he said.
President Tinubu said his government had designed several youth-centred initiatives across education, skills development, technology, and entrepreneurship to harness the energy of Nigerian youth.
“We remain firm in our resolve to put young people at the forefront of our economic and national development agenda”.
He urged Nigerian youths to remain optimistic, warning against those who seek to destabilise the nation.
He said: “Have faith in Nigeria. Our unity is our greatest strength”.
Also speaking, Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, commended President Tinubu’s dedication to uplifting Nigerian youth, citing recent increases in Corps members’ allowances from N33,000 to N77,000.
He said, “This is not a political gesture but a clear response to economic realities and a show of appreciation for the contributions of our young people”.
The Minister commended the NYSC for producing generations of committed young Nigerians who have impacted underserved communities through healthcare, education, and civic engagement.
Olawande also acknowledged ongoing legislative support for the Ministry of Youth Development and pledged continued reforms in areas such as renewable energy, digital skills, and youth entrepreneurship.
On his part, Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier-General Olakunle Akinyemi Nafiu, described Nigerian youth as “the vital force for our collective progress and preservation of national unity.”
He explained that 200 honourees were selected through a rigorous screening process that assessed their service impact, leadership, and commitment to community development.
He added that 10 additional honourees under the NYSC Hope Alive programme were recognised for continuing to serve despite injuries sustained in the course of duty.
“These young Nigerians are not just awardees, they are heroes of our republic,” he said.
Nafiu also paid tribute to four corps members who lost their lives in active service.
The DG disclosed that in 2025 alone, over 6,000 medical personnel, including 2,319 doctors, were deployed through the NYSC’s Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD), reaching more than four million Nigerians with free medical services, health education, and disease prevention.
He noted that NYSC’s entrepreneurship and skills acquisition programmes have been revamped to reflect digital and market-driven demands, training over 250,000 corps members annually.
“We are not just producing graduates; we are producing problem-solvers, innovators, and leaders,” he said.
The NYSC boss further expressed hope that the pending NYSC Trust Fund Bill would soon be signed into law, offering sustainable financial support for post-service enterprise and youth reintegration.
Addressing the honourees directly, he said: “You may have left the khaki behind, but you now wear the confidence of a great nation. This award is not just a reward, it is a responsibility. You are ambassadors of unity and innovators of hope.”
Speaking on behalf of the honourees, Ezieme Uba, expressed gratitude for the recognition saying: “Nothing gives greater joy than seeing your efforts rewarded.
”I thank the President, my family, and friends for this honour. It is a motivation to do more.”
Among the awardees were six top-performing Corps members, including: Nunaya Nunaya (Adamawa, served in Kwara); Okpogbo Chinedu (Imo, served in Cross River); Dr. Ugwa Mark (Abia, served in Cross River); Rabiu Mayokun (Osun, served in Rivers); Akase Pati Ence Nguwasen (Benue, served in Gombe), and Igwe Chikaodi (Enugu, served in Sokoto).
