Postgraduate scholarship for 10 physically challenged honourees
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved automatic employment for 200 outstanding National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members into the federal civil service.
The President also okayed the payment of N250,000 cash to them in recognition of their exceptional service to the nation between 2020 and 2023.
He also announced postgraduate scholarships for all honorees, including 10 physically challenged ex-corps members who sustained injuries during their service year and were likewise granted federal jobs.
The President’s largesse was announced Tuesday in Abuja at the combined 2020–2023 President’s NYSC Honours Award ceremony.
Represented by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, President Tinubu said: “Your discipline, commitment, selflessness, teamwork, patriotism, and integrity have set you apart.
“The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission will immediately begin your employment process.”
President Tinubu assured the 10 physically challenged recipients that their courage and sacrifice would not be forgotten.
“We will never forget their sacrifice. Each award recipient will receive N250,000 and a scholarship to pursue postgraduate programmes up to PhD level in any Nigerian university”, he said.
President Tinubu underscored the role of young people in national development, reiterating his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment across various sectors.
“To put our youth in the foreground of our economy, the government has developed several youth-related programmes covering education, skills development, technology, and information sustainability,” he said.
The top overall male and female performers drawn from different batches and states of deployment were honoured at the event.
Among the male awardees were Nunaya Polycarp Nunaya (20B, Adamawa/Kwara), Okpogbo Alvin Chinedu (21A, Imo/Cross River), Dr. Ugwa Obinna Mark (23B, Abia/Cross River), and Rabiu Quadri Mayokun (23C, Osun/Rivers).
The top female recipients included Akase Pati Ence Nguwasen (21A, Benue/Gombe) and Igwe Anne Chikaodi (23C, Enugu/Sokoto).
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, hailed the honourees for their exceptional service and the President for his support to youth advancement.
“Each outstanding honouree 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,” Olawande said.
The minister lauded the recent increment in NYSC members’ monthly allowance from N33,000 to N77,000, saying it was a response to the economic realities confronting Nigerian youth and not a political move.
“This decision reflects our recognition of the vital role youth play in nation-building,” he added.
The Director-General of the NYSC, Brig.-Gen.Y.D. Olakunle Nafiu, described Nigerian youth as “a vital force for our collective progress and preservation of our social, cultural, and national heritage”.
He lauded the administration’s youth-focused policies and the new N77,000 allowance, which he said had “boosted the morale and strengthened corps members’ commitment”.
