Five months after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved automatic employment and cash rewards for selected ex-corps members, the Federal Government has yet to fulfil the employment aspect of the promise, leaving beneficiaries frustrated and uncertain.

On July 29, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) announced that the President had approved automatic employment, scholarships within Nigeria up to doctorate level, and a cash reward of ₦250,000 each for 210 ex-corps members drawn from the 2020–2023 service years.

According to the NYSC, the beneficiaries included 200 corps members who demonstrated exceptional service across the scheme’s four cardinal programmes, as well as 10 others who sustained life-altering injuries while serving the nation. The President reportedly directed the Head of Service of the Federation and the Federal Civil Service Commission to immediately facilitate their employment into the federal civil service.

For many awardees, the announcement represented more than recognition—it was a lifeline after years of sacrifice, hardship, and uncertainty. However, months after the widely celebrated declaration, the promised automatic employment has not materialised.

Following public pressure and an investigative report by SaharaReporters, the affected ex-corps members were invited to Abuja in October 2025 to submit what were described as “necessary documents” for job placement. The invitation rekindled hope among the beneficiaries, many of whom travelled long distances at personal expense.

Several of the ex-corps members, who spoke on condition of anonymity to avoid victimisation, said they spent scarce resources on transportation and accommodation, with some arriving in Abuja without knowing anyone or having a place to stay.

“We were told to come for documentation so that job placement could be processed urgently. I travelled over ten hours and paid for accommodation because I have no one in Abuja. After we returned, nobody has contacted us till today,” one affected ex-corps member said.

Another beneficiary recounted how he was forced to sleep in a religious centre due to financial constraints, enduring physical discomfort while clinging to hope that the promised employment would materialise.

“The hope kept me going despite the stress. I subjected myself to mosquitoes and discomfort, believing the job would finally come. Till today, nothing has happened,” he said.

Some ex-corps members said attendance at the Abuja documentation exercise was presented as compulsory, prompting them to borrow money and travel despite health challenges.

“If they had fulfilled the promise, my life would be better today. Making us spend what little we have for nothing is unfair,” another beneficiary lamented.

Although the government reportedly fulfilled the cash payment, beneficiaries say there has been no communication regarding employment, scholarship opportunities, or placement timelines.

For those living with permanent disabilities sustained during national service, the delay has been particularly painful. One beneficiary said the promise of government employment briefly restored his dignity and sense of belonging, only for that hope to fade.

“I believed the government would accommodate me since private companies reject me because of my injuries. Till today, no call, no email, nothing,” he said.

Months after the public commendation, the honoured ex-corps members say they feel abandoned and used for publicity. They are appealing to the Federal Government to redeem its pledge, warning that what began as a moment of national pride has become a source of deep disappointment.

“We don’t want to be used as a publicity tool. Let the government fulfil what it promised,” one of them said.