GEJ gives cash, jobs, scholarships to 164 ex-Corps members

President Goodluck Jonathan has given cash, automatic employment and Post-Graduate Scholarship to 164 former National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members who won the President’s NYSC Award.

The 164 ex-corps members were selected for the award after distinguishing themselves during the 2012, 2013 and 2014 service years.

Congratulating the awardees at a ceremony held at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja, Jonathan said the conferment of the President's NYSC Honours Award is "an important moment in youth motivation“, meant to encourage Nigerian youth to contribute to national development.

“The entire nation salutes the determination, courage, discipline, commitment and hard work, which you all exhibited during the service period," he said.

"In line with our policy of encouraging our youths to always strive for excellence including serving and prospecting corps members, I hereby announce the immediate employment of the award winners.

"It is designed to highlight and promote the creative and innovative contributions of our youths, focused towards building a strong, virile, vibrant, united and prosperous Nigeria."

The President said all the awardees interested in furthering their education will be given scholarships, adding that "the remaining ones, we will absorb in the Federal Civil Service."

"Also for some of you who may want to continue with your studies, you have automatic scholarship for your post-graduate studies."

He said the NYSC scheme has continued to help unite the country and adding to the nation's vital manpower requirements in the education, health, infrastructure development, entrepreneurship and critical skills sectors.

Jonathan urged the awardees to continue to work for the progress of the country.

“You must at all times work conscientiously and tirelessly for the cohesion of our country by regarding your compatriots as brothers with whom you share a common stake in progress and well-being."

Instituted in 1974, the NYSC Honours Award is a significant feature in the annual calendar of events of the National Youth Service Corps.