Tinubu grants jobs and scholarships to 200 NYSC award recipients

Tinubu grants jobs and scholarships to 200 NYSC award recipients

President Bola Tinubu has approved the immediate employment of 200 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) award recipients into the federal civil service.

Each of the honorees also received a cash reward of N250,000 in recognition of their exceptional service during the 2020–2023 service years.

The announcement was made during the NYSC Honours Award Ceremony (2020–2023) held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.

Represented by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, President Tinubu commended the awardees for demonstrating discipline, commitment, selflessness, teamwork, patriotism, and integrity.

He assured the honorees that the “Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission will immediately begin their employment process.”

Tinubu also announced that 10 physically challenged former corps members, who sustained varying degrees of disability while serving, will also be offered federal employment.

“We will never forget their sacrifice,” he noted.

Beyond automatic employment and cash awards, each honoree was awarded a scholarship to pursue a postgraduate degree at any Nigerian university.

“In appreciation of their service to the nation, all the awardees will receive N250,000.

“Finally, each award recipient will be granted a scholarship to pursue postgraduate programs up to a degree in any university in the country,” Tinubu declared.

The President also reinforced the administration’s commitment to youth empowerment, saying, “In appreciation of these critical roles played by youth in national development, and to put them in the foreground of our economy, the government developed several youth-related programs, covering education, skills development, technology, and information sustainability.”

Tinubu called on the honorees and Nigerian youths alike to “continue to have faith in Nigeria,” urging them not to yield to those “seeking to destabilise the nation.”

The ceremony recognised the best overall performers in the male and female categories.

The top four male awardees include Polycarp Nunaya (20B – KW/20B/0001) from Adamawa State, who served in Kwara State; Okpogbo Chinedu (21A) from Imo State, who served in Cross River State; Dr. Ugwa Mark (23B) from Abia State, who served in Cross River State; and Rabiu Mayokun (23C) from Osun State, who served in Rivers State.

In the female category, the best overall awardees were Akase Nguwasen (21A) from Benue State, who served in Gombe State and Igwe Anne Chikaodi (23C) from Enugu State, who served in Sokoto State.

The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, thanked the President for his unwavering commitment to the future of Nigerian youth.

“Your presence here is a testament to the deep-rooted love you have for our nation’s young people,” Olawande said, highlighting the President’s support for youth development initiatives.

The minister emphasised that the ceremony was an opportunity to recognise the hard work, creativity, and integrity demonstrated by ex-corps members from across Nigeria.

“Each outstanding honoree here today exemplifies the very best of what our youth can achieve. Their positive character and commitment have made them true role models, inspiring others nationwide,” he stated.

Olawande reaffirmed the Federal Government’s dedication to empowering youth through programs focused on startup support, job creation, especially in the areas of technology and renewable energy and expanded leadership opportunities.

He noted, “Many young people have been appointed as ministers and heads of agencies, ensuring youth voices are heard and respected at the highest levels.”

He also praised the recent increase in the NYSC allowance from N33,000 to N77,000, emphasizing that the adjustment was driven by economic realities rather than political motives.

“This decision highlights our acknowledgment of the crucial role young people play in building the nation,” Olawande stated.

He went on to commend the founding figures and past leadership of the NYSC, as well as generations of corps members for their unwavering commitment, especially in fostering development in rural areas.

Olawande further pledged continued support from his ministry to strengthen the NYSC and sustain its positive impact on national development.