President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate recruitment of 200 exceptional National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members into the federal civil service, in recognition of their outstanding performance during their service between 2020 and 2023.
At the NYSC Honours Award Ceremony held in Abuja on Tuesday, President Tinubu, represented by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, also announced a ₦250,000 cash reward for each honoree.
In addition, the President approved automatic federal employment for 10 physically challenged former corps members who sustained injuries or disabilities while serving. He assured them that their sacrifices will not be forgotten.
“All awardees, including the physically challenged, will receive scholarships to pursue postgraduate studies in any Nigerian university,” the President stated.
He praised the honorees for their patriotism, integrity, and service, describing them as examples of youth who represent the nation’s future.
Tinubu stressed that the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and the Federal Civil Service Commission will immediately commence the employment process for the awardees.
Highlighting his administration’s dedication to youth development, the President noted that government policies are focused on skills development, education, technology, and sustainable employment.
“Youth are at the heart of our national development strategy,” he said, while encouraging them to remain hopeful and resist any attempts to destabilize the country.
Among the honorees were the top-performing corps members across gender lines. Notable names in the male category include: Nunaya Polycarp (20B – Adamawa, served in Kwara), Okpogbo Alvin Chinedu (21A – Imo, served in Cross River), Dr. Ugwa Obinna Mark (23B – Abia, served in Cross River), Rabiu Quadri Mayokun (23C – Osun, served in Rivers)
In the female category, the standouts were: Akase Pati Ence Nguwasen (21A – Benue, served in Gombe), Igwe Anne Chikaodi (23C – Enugu, served in Sokoto).
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, praised President Tinubu’s consistent support for youth, noting the recent increase in NYSC monthly allowance from ₦33,000 to ₦77,000 as a practical step to cushion economic pressure.
“This isn’t just politics; it reflects the high value placed on the contributions of youth,” Olawande said, adding that many young people now hold leadership positions in government.
He said the event served to celebrate integrity, creativity, and resilience-qualities the honorees exemplified.
NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, applauded the government’s support and described corps members as “the backbone of national development.”
He cited their contributions to healthcare, voter education, ICT training, and more, especially in underserved communities.
“In 2025, over 6,300 medical corps members, including 2,300 doctors, provided free healthcare in rural areas, benefiting over 4 million Nigerians,” he revealed.
He noted that the scheme’s skills acquisition programme has trained more than 250,000 corps members annually in market-driven and tech-based skills.
Nafiu also paid tribute to four corps members who died in service, calling them heroes of national unity.
Urging the awardees to become lifelong ambassadors of unity and progress, he said:
“You may no longer wear khaki, but you now wear something greater-the confidence of a nation. Continue to serve selflessly and represent the hope of a brighter Nigeria.”
