Tinubu Rewards 200 NYSC Members With Jobs, Cash And PhD Scholarships

President Bola Tinubu has announced automatic employment, N250,000 cash reward, and full scholarships up to PhD level for 200 former members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who distinguished themselves during their service years between 2020 and 2023.

The announcement was made at the Presidential NYSC Honours Award ceremony held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Represented by Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Tinubu directed that the employment process for the awardees should begin immediately, with the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and the Federal Civil Service Commission tasked with handling their appointments.

The President also extended the job offer and scholarship package to 10 physically challenged ex-Corps members who sustained injuries during their service. All award recipients, including those with disabilities, will be allowed to pursue postgraduate education in any Nigerian university of their choice, fully funded up to the doctorate level.

Each of the 200 honorees will also receive a one-time cash payment of N250,000 in recognition of their commitment to national service. The selection of awardees was based on merit and their record of discipline, selflessness, and patriotism.

Tinubu used the opportunity to reaffirm his administration’s focus on youth development. He highlighted ongoing government programs targeted at equipping young Nigerians through education, skill-building, technology, and sustainability initiatives.

Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, also addressed the ceremony, commending Tinubu’s continued support for youth-driven policies. He described the honorees as shining examples of the positive change young Nigerians can bring when given the right platform. Olawande said the awards were a way of encouraging good conduct, creativity, and dedication among youth.

He noted recent steps by the federal government to improve the welfare of NYSC members, including the increase in their monthly allowance from ₦33,000 to ₦77,000. According to him, this raise was meant to reflect current economic realities and not merely a political move.

The Minister praised the legacy of the NYSC scheme and paid tribute to those who helped build it over the years. He also promised that his ministry would continue supporting efforts to enhance the program’s impact, especially in rural development.

NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, also addressed the gathering. He thanked Nigerian youth for their role in national growth and described them as a powerful engine for development and the preservation of the country’s heritage.

The ceremony brought together young achievers from across the country, all of whom were celebrated for going above and beyond in their service to the nation.