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President Bola Tinubu has approved the immediate employment of 200 outstanding National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members into the federal civil service.
The directive, aimed at acknowledging their exceptional service during the 2020 to 2023 service years, was announced during the combined President’s NYSC Honours Award Ceremony held in Abuja.
In addition to the employment directive, President Tinubu also approved a ₦250,000 cash reward for each of the 200 honorees. He further granted full postgraduate scholarships at any university in Nigeria for all award recipients, including those living with disabilities.
The President, represented at the event by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, praised the awardees for their “discipline, patriotism, selflessness, commitment, teamwork, and integrity.” He emphasized that their service had not gone unnoticed and underscored the government’s commitment to reward excellence.
He announced, “The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission will commence the process of employment immediately. Each of these outstanding individuals will also receive ₦250,000 and a scholarship to pursue a postgraduate degree in any Nigerian university.”
In a particularly touching moment, President Tinubu extended his compassion to 10 physically challenged ex-corps members who sustained injuries or became disabled during their national service. He directed that they too be offered automatic employment and reassured them that their sacrifices would never be forgotten by the nation.
Reaffirming his administration’s dedication to youth empowerment, President Tinubu highlighted the central role of Nigerian youth in national development. He noted that the government has launched several initiatives aimed at education, digital technology, skills development, and sustainable information systems—all tailored to enhance the participation of young people in the nation’s economic growth.
He urged Nigerian youth to “maintain their faith in the country” and resist the influence of destabilizing elements, assuring them that his administration is committed to building a nation that prioritizes youth inclusion and progress.
The event also recognized outstanding male and female awardees for their exemplary performance during their service year. The top male awardees included:
Nunaya Polycarp Nunaya (2020 Batch B – KW/20B/0001), from Adamawa State, who served in Kwara State
Okpogbo Alvin Chinedu (2021 Batch A), from Imo State, who served in Cross River State
Dr. Ugwa Obinna Mark (2023 Batch B), from Abia State, who served in Cross River State
Rabiu Quadri Mayokun (2023 Batch C), from Osun State, who served in Rivers State
In the female category, the top honorees were:
Akase Pati Ence Nguwasen (2021 Batch A), from Benue State, who served in Gombe State
Igwe Anne Chikaodi (2023 Batch C), from Enugu State, who served in Sokoto State
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, praised President Tinubu’s unwavering support for Nigerian youth. He emphasized that the President’s consistent presence in youth-focused programmes reflected a deep-seated commitment to the future of Nigeria’s young people.
“Each honoree here today exemplifies the very best our youth can become. Their positive character, creativity, and dedication have made them role models to be emulated across the nation,” Olawande said.
He commended recent government initiatives tailored to empower young Nigerians, including expanded opportunities in startup funding, leadership, renewable energy, and technological innovation. He noted that many youths have already been appointed to leadership roles across ministries and agencies, ensuring that young voices are represented at the highest levels.
The Minister also highlighted the government’s decision to increase the monthly NYSC allowance from ₦33,000 to ₦77,000, clarifying that the move was a direct response to prevailing economic conditions and a show of genuine concern for corps members’ welfare—not a political gesture.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, lauded the contributions of Nigerian youth to nation-building. He described them as a “vital force for progress” and emphasized the importance of their roles in shaping the country’s future.
He praised the recent increase in the corps members’ allowance and acknowledged President Tinubu’s broader youth-centered reforms, including the revitalized Nigerian Youth Investment Fund and the National Talent Export Programme, which provide corps members with access to funding, tech-based opportunities, and global competitiveness after service.
Nafiu expressed optimism over the anticipated signing of the NYSC Trust Fund Bill, calling it a critical step toward securing sustainable funding and enhancing the overall impact of the scheme.
He also paid tribute to four corps members who lost their lives in the course of their service, describing them as heroes who paid the ultimate price for national unity and development.
Highlighting the scheme’s social impact, Nafiu noted that in 2025 alone, the NYSC deployed 6,340 medical personnel, including 2,319 doctors, to underserved areas. Through the Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers, over 4 million Nigerians benefited from free medical care, malaria testing, and disease prevention programs.
He also emphasized the strengthening of the NYSC’s Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, noting that it now focuses more on market-driven and tech-based training. Over 250,000 corps members are trained annually under the restructured initiative.
“NYSC remains a symbol of national trust and integrity,” Nafiu asserted. “We are committed to protecting every aspect of the scheme—from mobilization and deployment to the quality of service delivery.”
Concluding his address, the DG urged the awardees to view their honors as a call to greater national service. “Although your khaki uniform may have been retired, you now wear something far more enduring—the confidence of a grateful nation. Go forth as ambassadors of unity and innovation,” Nafiu declared.