Tinubu celebrates 200 NYSC honourees with cash, scholarships, civil service job

President Bola Tinubu has approved the immediate employment of 200 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) award recipients into the federal civil service as part of a broader gesture to recognise their patriotism and contributions during national service.

At the combined President’s NYSC Honours Award ceremony for the years 2020 to 2023 held in Abuja on Tuesday, Tinubu, represented by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, also announced a cash award of ₦250,000 and a full scholarship for each awardee to pursue postgraduate studies at any Nigerian university.

He stated that the gesture was in appreciation of the honourees’ values of “discipline, commitment, selflessness, teamwork, patriotism, and integrity.”

In addition, the president directed that 10 physically challenged ex-corps members who sustained injuries while serving the nation be included in the employment scheme.

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

Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to youth development through education, technology, and employment.

He highlighted various ongoing initiatives to empower young Nigerians, describing the youth as key players in national development.

Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, applauded the president’s presence and recent decision to increase the monthly allowance for corps members from ₦33,000 to ₦77,000, calling it a response to Nigeria’s current economic realities and a reflection of the government’s support for youth.

NYSC Director-General, Olakunle Nafiu, praised the award recipients for their service and dedication, noting that their selection followed a rigorous screening process.

He hailed them as heroes and also paid tribute to four corps members who died in active service.

According to Nafiu, over 6,000 medical personnel were deployed in 2023 alone to provide free healthcare to rural communities, with more than four million Nigerians benefiting from the NYSC Health Initiative.

He also mentioned that more than 250,000 corps members are trained annually under the NYSC’s entrepreneurship scheme.

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He assured that the scheme remains a vital national institution, focused on security, personal development, resilience, and promoting national duty.