By 
President Muhammadu Buhari has granted automatic employment in the Federal Civil Service to 65 former members of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, highlighting numerous achievements of the scheme since its establishment 50 years ago.
At the NYSC 50th Anniversary Honours Award held in Abuja, the President said out of the 65 recipients, 52 individuals received the Presidential Honours Awards, while the remaining 13 were physically-challenged ex-Corps Members recognised under the NYSC Hope Alive Programme.
President Buhari said the 2 groups would be awarded scholarships to pursue their education up to the Doctorate Degree level at any university of their choice within the country.
He also announced a cash prize of N250 for each of the top award winners, and N200 for other award recipients, including the physically-challenged ex-corps members under the NYSC Hope Alive Programme.
President Buhari consequently gave directive to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Federal Civil Service Commission, and the Minister of Education to ensure adherence to the employment offer and the granting of scholarships.
He paid tribute to corps members from the batches being honoured, who lost their lives under various circumstances while serving the nation.
President Buhari also expressed his deep appreciation to the founding father of the Scheme, retired General Yakubu Gowon, who conceived the idea of the Corps and brought it to fruition on May 22, 1973.
‘‘The NYSC has continued to afford successive batches of Corps Members as the veritable platform to make meaningful contributions, in the various spheres of our national life,’’ he said.
The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, while commending the former corps members chosen for the Presidential Honour, said their sacrifices and commendable contributions, reflected the positive values they embodied during their service year.
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