Governor Awards Seven NYSC Corps Members with Automatic Employment
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has granted automatic employment to seven National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members who completed their service year in the state and were recognized as outstanding performers. The announcement was made on Tuesday, July 22, 2026, during an awards ceremony for exceptional education achievers held at the Cocoa Conference Centre within the governor's office in Akure.
The governor's Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, confirmed the development in an official statement. Beyond the employment offer, all 66 award recipients at the event received one million naira each from the governor as recognition for their dedication, academic achievement, and professional excellence.
Governor Links Investment to Long-Term Growth
Aiyedatiwa described the ceremony as part of a broader commitment to retain talented individuals within the state and build a strong human capital base for Ondo's future. He stated: "This event is a celebration of excellence and a reminder that the quality of a society's human capital remained its greatest asset. The awardees have brought honour to Ondo State through their academic achievements, innovation, discipline and commitment to excellence."
The governor added that the corps members, students, and teachers honoured at the event had become "worthy ambassadors of the Sunshine State and shining examples for generations yet unborn." He also paid tribute to teachers, calling them the architects of human capital and the silent heroes behind every success story.
"Countries are not built by chance; they are built in classrooms by committed teachers who mould character, impart knowledge and inspire dreams. History may remember the achievers, but posterity will always honour those who nurtured them for greatness," Aiyedatiwa said.
Education Commissioner Explains the Purpose
The state Commissioner for Education, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, said the recognition scheme was designed to drive a culture of excellence among pupils and teachers across Ondo State. He noted that education remains a top priority for the Aiyedatiwa administration and revealed that the governor had already directed officials to compile names of other students and citizens who had distinguished themselves academically, in preparation for future recognition events.
The event also comes amid new federal requirements for NYSC mobilization. The federal government has introduced a compliance certificate from the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD) as a prerequisite for mobilization, aimed at curbing certificate fraud and strengthening the credibility of the NYSC process.
