President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the immediate employment of 200 outstanding ex-members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) into the Federal Civil Service in recognition of their exceptional contributions during the 2020–2023 service years.
Each honouree will also receive a cash award of ₦250,000, and a fully funded scholarship to pursue postgraduate studies at any Nigerian university. Tinubu directed that the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission commence the employment process without delay.
The President also announced that 10 physically challenged ex-corps members, who sustained disabilities during their service, will be offered federal employment. “We will never forget their sacrifice,” he affirmed.
The announcement was made at the President’s NYSC Honours Award Ceremony (2020–2023) held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja. Representing the President was Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, who commended the honourees for their discipline, patriotism, and commitment to national development.
The ceremony recognised the best overall performers in the male and female categories. The top four male awardees were:
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Polycarp Nunaya (20B – KW/20B/0001), Adamawa State, served in Kwara State
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Okpogbo Chinedu (21A), Imo State, served in Cross River State
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Dr. Ugwa Mark (23B), Abia State, served in Cross River State
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Rabiu Mayokun (23C), Osun State, served in Rivers State
In the female category:
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Akase Nguwasen (21A), Benue State, served in Gombe State
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Igwe Anne Chikaodi (23C), Enugu State, served in Sokoto State
The President used the occasion to reinforce his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment, highlighting ongoing initiatives covering education, skill development, technology, and information sustainability. He urged Nigerian youths to maintain faith in the country and resist efforts to destabilise the nation.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, thanked President Tinubu for prioritising youth, stating that his presence and continued support for youth-focused programs demonstrates “a deep-rooted love” for young Nigerians.
He applauded the honourees for their excellence, describing them as role models who embody the best of Nigerian youth. “Each outstanding honouree here today exemplifies the very best of what our youth can achieve,” he noted.
Olawande also acknowledged the government’s efforts in job creation, youth inclusion in governance, and capacity development, especially in technology and renewable energy. He highlighted the appointment of many young individuals as ministers and agency heads, saying this ensures youth representation at decision-making levels.
Commending the National Assembly’s collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Development, he added, “For four decades, our youth have felt disconnected from government, but today, this administration is restoring faith and participation in national progress.”
Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, Director-General of NYSC, praised Nigerian youth as the nation’s future, commending their commitment to social, cultural, and national progress. He also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for approving the recent increase in corps members’ allowances from ₦33,000 to ₦77,000, which he said significantly boosted morale.
Nafiu noted that the administration’s broader youth-oriented reforms, such as the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund and National Talent Export Programme, are providing corps members with post-service opportunities and global exposure.
He called the proposed NYSC Trust Fund Bill a landmark initiative that will provide sustainable funding for the scheme.
Highlighting the rigorous selection process for the 200 honourees, Nafiu explained that it assessed service records, community impact, civic engagement, and ethical values. He also recognised 10 beneficiaries of the NYSC Hope Alive Programme, who sustained life-altering injuries during service but remained committed to the nation.
Nafiu paid tribute to four corps members who lost their lives in active service, describing their sacrifices as a reflection of the patriotic spirit of Nigerian youths.
The DG emphasized the NYSC's national role, including supporting elections, promoting ICT literacy in rural areas, and advancing healthcare delivery. He revealed that in 2025, over 6,000 medical personnel, including 2,319 doctors, were deployed to expand access to healthcare in underserved communities.
Through the NYSC Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers, over 4 million Nigerians benefitted from free medical services, malaria testing, and disease prevention programs.
Nafiu stated that the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) program has been restructured to focus on market-relevant, technology-driven training, with over 250,000 corps members trained annually.
He assured that the NYSC remains a credible institution dedicated to national unity and service. “The scheme is a symbol of national trust,” Nafiu said, reaffirming his commitment to protecting its integrity and operations.
Addressing the honourees, Nafiu urged them to embrace their new roles as national ambassadors. “You may no longer wear khaki, but you now wear the confidence of a great nation,” he said, urging them to remain dedicated and committed to the country.
He concluded, “May this event remind us all that service still matters, unity still defines our strength, and the Nigerian youth are the future of our great nation. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
One of the honourees, Ezieme Uba, expressed heartfelt gratitude. “Nothing gives greater joy than being gainfully employed. I’m thankful to Mr. President, my parents, friends, and fellow corps members. I pray God blesses them,” he said.
ADEOLA KUNLE
