By Nkechi Eze
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has honoured 210 former members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) with automatic employment into the Federal Civil Service, full scholarships up to doctoral level within Nigerian institutions, and cash rewards of N250,000 each. The beneficiaries were recognized for their exceptional performance and selfless service during their national service years between 2020 and 2023.
This announcement was made during the 2025 edition of the President’s NYSC Honours Award Ceremony held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. President Tinubu, who was represented at the event by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mrs. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, directed the Head of Service of the Federation and the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission to immediately facilitate the employment of the awardees into the Federal Civil Service.
According to a statement signed by the Acting Director, Information and Public Relations of the NYSC, Caroline Embu, 200 of the awardees were recognized for outstanding contributions across the Scheme’s four cardinal programmes, while 10 others were acknowledged for sustaining life-altering injuries during their service year.
President Tinubu, in his remarks delivered by Mrs Onyejeocha, commended General Yakubu Gowon for the establishment of the NYSC in 1973, and lauded the successive leadership of the Scheme and generations of Corps Members who have contributed to national development over the past 52 years.
He emphasized the NYSC’s vital role in fostering national unity and development, particularly in sectors such as education, agriculture, and healthcare delivery, noting that his administration remains committed to supporting the Scheme.
“The Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme of the NYSC remains one of the most impactful initiatives, equipping thousands of Corps Members with tools for self-reliance and job creation,” he added.
Highlighting his administration’s youth-focused agenda, the President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating opportunities for young Nigerians to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economic transformation.
Among the top honourees were Nunaya Polycarp Nunaya from Adamawa State, who served in Kwara State; Okpogbo Alvin Chinedu from Imo State, who served in Cross River; Dr. Ugwa Obinna Mark from Abia State, who also served in Cross River; and Rabiu Quadri Mayokun from Osun State, who served in Rivers State. The best female awardees were Akase Patience Nguwasen from Benue State, who served in Gombe, and Igwe Anne Chikaobi from Enugu State, who served in Sokoto.
The Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, in his address, praised Corps Members’ contributions to national unity, rural development, healthcare delivery, education, and youth mobilization for peace and nation-building. He thanked President Tinubu for his continued support to the Ministry and the NYSC.
Director General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Akinyemi Nafiu, described the Honours Award Ceremony as a national tribute to sacrifice, excellence, and hope. He noted that the event serves as a solemn recognition of Corps Members who exhibit exceptional dedication to unity, patriotism, and national progress.
General Nafiu also commended President Tinubu for his consistent support to youth development under the Renewed Hope Agenda, citing the recent increase in Corps Members’ monthly allowance from N33,000 to N77,000 as a testament to the administration’s commitment to youth welfare.
He highlighted recent federal government youth empowerment initiatives like the revitalised Nigerian Youth Investment Fund and the National Talent Export Programme, which have created new pathways for post-service funding and global opportunities for Corps Members.
Speaking on reforms within the NYSC, General Nafiu disclosed that the signing of the NYSC Trust Fund Bill by the President would provide a sustainable framework for improving camp facilities, upgrading infrastructure, and supporting Corps Members’ welfare and post-service reintegration.
He paid tribute to Corps Members who lost their lives in active service, assuring that their legacies would be eternally remembered.
The NYSC DG revealed that the Scheme deployed over 6,340 Corps medical personnel including 2,319 medical doctors to rural areas in 2025, where they provided free medical care to more than four million underprivileged Nigerians under the Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) programme.
He also said the SAED programme had been restructured to offer more technology-driven and market-relevant training, equipping an average of 250,000 Corps Members annually with skills for self-employment.
The prestigious ceremony was attended by a cross-section of dignitaries, including top government functionaries, former and serving NYSC Directors General, retired NYSC directors, and families of the awardees.
