Empowerment

Postgraduate Scholarship for Honourees as Tinubu Rewards 200 NYSC Standouts

Published

1 year ago

July 30, 2025

Postgraduate scholarship for honourees and automatic federal jobs granted by Tinubu to 200 NYSC members, including 10 physically challenged awardees

President Bola Tinubu has approved a postgraduate scholarship for honourees and automatic employment in the federal civil service for 200 outstanding National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members across four service years.

Also read: NYSC Urges Employers to Monitor Corps Member Performance Actively

The beneficiaries include 10 physically challenged former corps members who sustained injuries while serving the country.

The President also awarded each recipient a cash prize of ₦250,000 at the combined 2020–2023 NYSC Honours Award ceremony held in Abuja.

Represented by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Tinubu said the recognition was a tribute to the recipients’ discipline, patriotism, and national service.

“The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission will immediately begin your employment process,” the President stated.

He added, “We will never forget their sacrifice. Each award recipient will receive ₦250,000 and a scholarship to pursue postgraduate programmes up to PhD level in any Nigerian university.”

The announcement of the postgraduate scholarship for honourees drew commendation from youth advocates and government officials alike.

The President affirmed his administration’s unwavering support for youth development through education, digital skills, and innovation.

We will never forget their sacrifice. Each award recipient will receive ₦250,000 and a scholarship to pursue postgraduate programmes up to PhD level.

“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 noted.

Among those honoured were standout male corps members such as 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 female honourees included Akase Pati Ence Nguwasen (21A, Benue/Gombe) and Igwe Anne Chikaodi (23C, Enugu/Sokoto), all praised for excellence in their places of primary assignment.

Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande hailed the awardees as national assets and praised President Tinubu for his consistency in advancing youth empowerment.

“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.

He also lauded the upward review of NYSC allowances from ₦33,000 to ₦77,000, calling it a timely response to the cost-of-living crisis and a reflection of policy integrity rather than politics.

Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier-General Y.D. Olakunle Nafiu, praised the President’s youth-centred initiatives, describing Nigerian youth as “a vital force for our collective progress and preservation of our social, cultural, and national heritage”.

According to him, the improved allowance had “boosted morale and strengthened corps members’ commitment,” ensuring that the NYSC scheme remains an engine of national cohesion.

Also read: Tinubu visits Nasarawa State for project commissioning, townhall

The postgraduate scholarship for honourees is expected to open academic opportunities for the awardees while also placing them in strategic public service roles that align with their demonstrated commitment to national development.

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State development

Bauchi Urges Girls to Pursue Education and Skilled Jobs

Published

2 weeks ago

October 26, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

Bauchi girls’ education campaign urges students to complete school, learn vocational skills and pursue careers traditionally dominated by men

Girls in Bauchi State have been encouraged to complete their education, acquire vocational skills and pursue careers traditionally dominated by men as part of efforts to promote financial independence and reduce gender inequality.

Also read: Rest of World to Shut Down as Search for New Home Continues

The call was made on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at an event in Bauchi to mark the International Day of the Girl Child.

The event was organised under the Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership Project in collaboration with ActionAid Nigeria, Azurfa Women and Youth Development Initiative, and Fahimta Women and Youth Development Initiative.

Speaking at the event, Mustapha Idris, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at Fahimta Women and Youth Development Initiative, said the annual observance aimed to raise awareness of girls’ rights and promote their well-being.

He said the programme was designed to encourage girls to explore a wider range of professions and address gender disparities in the workplace.

Idris urged students to use their school holidays to learn practical skills, including shoemaking and soap production, which could help them earn an income and improve their economic prospects.

“Girls should not feel ashamed of learning a trade or engaging in legitimate businesses. These skills can provide them with sources of income, promote financial independence and reduce their reliance on others,” he said.

Monica Tanko, Executive Director of Azurfa Women and Youth Development Initiative, urged the girls to remain committed to their education and avoid leaving school before completing their studies.

She also encouraged them to develop practical skills alongside their formal education, saying the combination could help prepare them for future challenges and employment opportunities.

Tanko stressed the importance of self-reliance while encouraging the students to maintain their personal dignity as they pursued their ambitions.

Timothy Ibrahim, an engineer with more than 20 years of professional experience, encouraged the students to consider engineering and other professions in which women have traditionally been underrepresented.

He urged them not to allow gender stereotypes to discourage them from pursuing their interests, adding that girls could excel when they had access to opportunities, encouragement and support.

His message reinforced the event’s call for girls to look beyond occupations traditionally associated with women and explore careers across technical and professional fields.

The event was attended by female students from several schools in Bauchi metropolis, including Rafin Zurfi, Bakaro, Unguwar Doya, Gudun Sayawa and the Federal Government Girls’ College.

The International Day of the Girl Child is observed annually on October 11 to promote girls’ rights and draw attention to challenges affecting their development.

The Bauchi event used the occasion to highlight the importance of education, vocational training and access to a wider range of career opportunities.

The organisers’ message was that empowering girls requires more than keeping them in school.

Also read: Rest of World to Shut Down as Search for New Home Continues

Access to practical skills, supportive role models and opportunities to enter different professions can also help young women build greater economic independence and participate more fully in their communities.