Tinubu approves jobs, ₦250,000 cash, sholarships for 200 NYSC honours awardees

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved immediate employment in the federal civil service for 200 recipients of the NYSC President’s Honours Award, alongside a ₦250,000 cash reward and postgraduate scholarships up to PhD level.

In addition, 10 physically challenged former Corps members who sustained injuries during their service have also been offered automatic employment. President Tinubu described them as heroes whose contributions to national development must never be forgotten.

The announcement was made on Tuesday during the 2020–2023 NYSC President’s Honours Award ceremony in Abuja. The President was represented by Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.

Tinubu commended the awardees for their patriotism, discipline, and service to the country, noting that their sacrifices promote national unity and long-term prosperity. “The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and the Federal Civil Service Commission have been directed to immediately commence the employment process,” he said.

He emphasized his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment, citing initiatives in education, skills development, technology, and entrepreneurship as part of broader economic reforms aimed at positioning young Nigerians as agents of change.

“Young Nigerians must remain hopeful and not fall for divisive voices. Our unity is our greatest strength,” he added.

Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, also praised the President’s dedication to youth welfare. He referenced the recent increase in Corps members’ allowances from ₦33,000 to ₦77,000, saying it was a realistic and appreciative response to economic conditions and the vital roles played by young people.

Director-General of NYSC, Brigadier-General Olakunle Akinyemi Nafiu, described the honourees as heroes, selected through a rigorous process based on leadership, service impact, and community development. He noted that 10 awardees under the NYSC Hope Alive programme were recognised for serving the country despite sustaining injuries.

He revealed that, in 2025 alone, more than 6,000 NYSC medical personnel, including 2,319 doctors, were deployed across the country under the Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD), offering free health services to over four million Nigerians.

He also highlighted that over 250,000 corps members are trained annually through revamped skills acquisition programmes tailored to digital and market-driven needs. “We are not just producing graduates; we are producing problem-solvers, innovators, and leaders,” Nafiu stated.

He further expressed optimism that the NYSC Trust Fund Bill would soon be passed to provide long-term financial support for post-service youth entrepreneurship and reintegration.

Speaking on behalf of the honourees, Ezieme Francis Uba expressed heartfelt gratitude to the President, saying the recognition served as motivation to do more.

Among the top awardees were 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).