President Bola Tinubu has approved the immediate employment of 200 recipients of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) President’s Honours Award into the federal civil service. Each beneficiary will also receive ₦250,000 and a scholarship for postgraduate studies up to the PhD level in any Nigerian university.
The President also granted automatic employment to 10 physically challenged ex-Corps members who sustained injuries during national service, describing them as heroes whose sacrifices must never be forgotten.
The announcement was made on Tuesday in Abuja during the combined 2020–2023 NYSC President’s Honours Award ceremony, where Tinubu was represented by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to youth development and national service, Tinubu praised the awardees for their patriotism, selflessness, and dedication, which he said were essential to Nigeria’s unity and long-term progress.
“The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and the Federal Civil Service Commission have been directed to commence the employment process immediately,” he stated. “This gesture is in appreciation of your service to the nation.”
Tinubu highlighted youth empowerment as central to his government’s agenda, with programmes designed across education, technology, skills development, and entrepreneurship.
“We are determined to place young people at the centre of national development. I urge Nigerian youth to stay optimistic and united. Our diversity is our strength,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande lauded the President’s continued support for young Nigerians, including the recent increase in Corps members’ monthly allowances from ₦33,000 to ₦77,000.
“This is not a political move but a necessary step to address economic realities and honour the role of youth in nation-building,” Olawande said.
He commended the NYSC for nurturing civic-minded, skilled young Nigerians who have made significant contributions in underserved communities, particularly in health, education, and social services.
The NYSC Director-General, Brigadier-General Olakunle Akinyemi Nafiu, described Nigerian youth as the driving force of national unity and progress. He said the 200 honourees were selected through a rigorous screening process based on impact, leadership, and community service, while the 10 additional awardees were recognised under the NYSC Hope Alive programme for their resilience despite injuries.
“These young Nigerians are not just awardees; they are heroes of our republic,” Nafiu said, while also honouring four Corps members who died in active service.
He 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), providing free healthcare to over four million Nigerians.
Nafiu added that NYSC’s entrepreneurship and skills acquisition programmes have been revamped to align with digital and market-driven needs, training more than 250,000 Corps members annually.
“We are not just producing graduates; we are raising innovators, leaders, and problem-solvers,” he stated, expressing optimism that the NYSC Trust Fund Bill would soon be signed into law to support post-service entrepreneurship and reintegration.
Addressing fellow honourees, Nafiu said: “You may have left the khaki behind, but you now wear the confidence of a great nation. This award comes with the responsibility of being ambassadors of unity and change.”
Speaking on behalf of the awardees, Ezieme Francis Uba expressed gratitude for the honour, calling it a motivation to do more.
Among the top awardees were six high-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); Rabiu Quadri Mayokun (Osun, served in Rivers); Akase Pati Ence Nguwasen (Benue, served in Gombe); and Igwe Anne Chikaodi (Enugu, served in Sokoto).
