The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), on Thursday, in Abuja, granted automatic employment in the Federal Civil Service to 65 former members of the National Youth Service Corps.

In addition to the employment, Buhari also awarded them scholarships to pursue their education up to the doctorate degree level in any university of their choice within the country.

Furthermore, he announced a cash prize of N250,000 for each of the top award winners and N200,000 for other award recipients, including a physically-challenged ex-corps members under the NYSC Hope Alive Programme.

Buhari issued a directive to the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, the Federal Civil Service Commission, and the Minister of Education to implement the employment and offer scholarships.

The President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, announced the development in a statement on Thursday titled ‘President Buhari grants 65 ex-corps members automatic employment, lists achievements of NYSC at 50.’

Speaking at the NYSC 50th Anniversary Honours Award held at the State House Conference Centre, 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.

He also paid tribute to corps members from the batches being honoured, who lost their lives under various circumstances while serving the nation.

‘‘But for their transitioning, some of them might have been here today as part of the honourees.

“May God grant their souls peaceful repose. They remain our heroes and heroines.

“The nation shall continue to remember their sacrifices towards building a strong, indivisible and egalitarian entity,’’ Buhari said.

Buhari congratulated the founding fathers, past and present managers of the NYSC on the scheme’s golden jubilee.