A total of 168 National Youth Service Corps members have been given immediate employment by the Federal Government for being outstanding when they served the country. They will work in the Federal Civil Service.

The offers were given to them at a ceremony at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Friday night.

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo represented President Muhammadu Buhari at the event, witnessed by a former Head of State and founder of the NYSC, Gen Yakubu Gowon.

The former corps members also got automatic scholarships.

The execution of community service projects that made great impact on the lives of people was a  key criterion used in determining the winners.

Buhari said, “In line with our policy of encouraging and rewarding excellence among our youths, I hereby announce the immediate employment of  all the award winners and beneficiaries of the NYSC, Hope Alive Programme.

“In addition, the Federal Government hereby offers each of you automatic scholarships  up to doctoral level in any Nigerian university of your choice.”

According to the President, the NYSC remains a “national heritage”.