President Bola Tinubu has approved the immediate employment of 200 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) awardees into the federal civil service, rewarding each with ₦250,000 and a postgraduate scholarship at any Nigerian university. The move recognises their exceptional service between 2020 and 2023.

 

Speaking through the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, at the President’s NYSC Honours Award Ceremony in Abuja, Tinubu praised the awardees for their patriotism, discipline, and integrity. He also announced automatic employment for 10 physically challenged ex-corps members who sustained injuries during service, noting, “We will never forget their sacrifice.”

 

The President reaffirmed his administration’s focus on youth development, referencing initiatives in education, technology, and job creation. Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, described the gesture as a testament to Tinubu’s commitment to empowering Nigerian youth, citing the recent allowance increase from ₦33,000 to ₦77,000 as evidence of that resolve.

 

NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, commended the government’s support and highlighted corps members’ contributions across healthcare, voter education, ICT, and entrepreneurship. He announced that the honourees were selected after a rigorous process and hailed those who paid the ultimate price during national service.

 

The event concluded with a renewed call for unity and commitment, as awardees were urged to serve as ambassadors of hope and national development.