If I Could Redo NYSC, Here’s What I Would Do Differently

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is often seen as a mandatory ritual that every Nigerian graduate must go through. It’s that one year when we pack our bags, leave the comfort of our homes, and head into the unknown. For many of us, it’s a time to explore a new environment, make friends, and enjoy the steady flow of the monthly allowee (laughs!).

But beyond the excitement and adventure, there lies a deeper purpose. NYSC is a rare opportunity to lay the groundwork for your future career, and even though many Nigerian young graduates don't like it, it's still remain a chance to make choices that will echo long after the service year ends.

Looking back, I can vividly remember my own NYSC journey, which started in May 2015 and ended on April 16, 2016. I was a fresh graduate in Business Administration, full of hope and a bit of anxiety, about what lay ahead. Abuja had been my base before NYSC, an ultra-busy city where opportunities seemed almost endless.

But when the posting letter came, it was not Abuja, Lagos, or even any of the bigger cities. I ended up at Anglican High School in Otan Ayegbaju, a small town in Boluwaduro LGA of Osun State. It was a reality check, one that actually taught me more than I ever anticipated.

Now, almost eight years later, if I had the chance to redo my NYSC year, these are the nine things I would do differently to truly invest in my future.

Nine Things I Would Do Differently as Corps Member

1. Choose My PPA with Purpose

When I first got my posting letter, I was more concerned with where I would be living than the kind of work I would be doing. I didn't think much about how my Place of Primary Assignment (PPA) could impact my career. If I could go back, I would have taken a different approach.

Instead of just accepting my posting to Anglican High School without much thought, I would have considered my long-term goals. As someone with a degree in Business Administration, I could have sought a redeployment to an organization or company where I could gain relevant experience. The connections and practical knowledge gained during your service year can shape your career path in ways you might not realize at the time.

Food for Thought: Don’t just accept any PPA for the sake of it. Look for a place that aligns with your career goals. If your first posting doesn’t match, consider seeking redeployment. Your PPA can be more than just a job for the year, it can be a stepping stone to your future career.

Some of your colleagues may talk you out of it, others may say things like; it is not possible, they won't listen to you and so on. But if your reasons are genuine (to gain hands-on experience in an organization that aligns with your career aspirations), and not some flimsy excuses that most Corps Members gives (like, "I don't like or know how to teach"), your request will pull through.

2. Build a Meaningful Professional Network

During my NYSC, I made friends, no doubt. But what I didn’t fully grasp was the importance of building a professional network. One thing I will always be grateful to NYSC for is that it brought me the mother of my children. Beyond that, there’s not much to lay hold on. No one in my current professional network came from the connections I made during my NYSC year.

If I had the chance to do it again, I would have been more intentional about connecting with people who could help me grow professionally. Whether it was my fellow corps members, my supervisors at the school, or professionals I met during CDS activities, I would have taken the time to build relationships that could lead to mentorship, job offers, or collaborations in the future. Networking isn't just about exchanging contacts; it’s about creating lasting connections that can open doors long after NYSC is over.

Food for Thought: Be intentional about the people you meet during your service year. Networking is not just about socializing; it’s about building relationships that could benefit your career. Attend events, volunteer for extra duties, and keep in touch with the people who inspire you or align with your career path.

3. Gain Relevant Experience, Even in an Unrelated PPA

Being posted to a secondary school in a small town when you have a business degree can feel like a mismatch. But one thing I’ve learned is that you can still gain valuable experience, even in an unrelated PPA. If I could redo my NYSC, I would have looked for ways to align my role at the school with my career aspirations.

Maybe I could have offered to help with administrative tasks, manage school events, or even start a small business project with the students. The key is to find opportunities within your environment to develop skills that will be useful in your future career.

Food for Thought: Even if your PPA doesn’t align perfectly with your career goals, find ways to make it work for you. Look for tasks and responsibilities that can help you build relevant skills. Every experience counts, and you can always find ways to make your service year contribute to your long-term career goals.

4. Develop New Skills Beyond My Comfort Zone

The NYSC year provides a unique opportunity to learn and develop new skills. Unfortunately, many Corps Members are not taking full advantage of this. Many values 2000 and 2500 Naira more than a certificate that could add to their professional profile.

If I could go back, I would enroll in online courses, attend workshops, and pursue certifications in areas that either interests me, or aligns properly with my career aspirations.

The NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) program is one such opportunity that I wish I had taken more seriously. Whether it’s learning a new language, gaining IT skills, or getting into project management, these are the things that can set you apart in the competitive job market.

Food for Thought: Don’t let your service year pass without learning something new. Take advantage of free time and resources like SAED to develop skills that will set you apart in the job market. Whether it’s learning a new language, picking up IT skills, or getting certified in a particular field, use this time to invest in your future.

5. Save and Invest My Allowance Wisely

I’ll be honest; the monthly allowance was something I looked forward to, but I didn’t manage it as well as I could have. During my time, 19,800 was all we got per month, with nothing coming in from the state government or my PPA. With this little amount, it was easy to overlook savings and focus on how to make ends meet. Things have long improved since then, and should I have the chance to redo NYSC again, I would approach my finances with a whole more discipline.

Instead of meeting needs with all my monthly pay, I would have saved a portion of these allowees. Not because it was more than, or even enough for the needs but because management and saving is also part of the responsibilities of a business administrator.

It is a discipline action that tells you not to spend it all. This little savings over few months can be used to invest in something new, like starting a small side business, saving for further education, or even just building an emergency fund. The habits you develop during NYSC can lay the foundation for financial stability in the years to come.

Food for Thought: Don’t underestimate the power of saving. Even though the allowee might seem small, with discipline, you can save and even invest it. Consider starting a small business or saving towards further education. Your financial habits during NYSC can set you up for stability in the future.

6. Engage in CDS Project on Time

Community Development Service (CDS) was another area where I could have done better. During my days, the CDS for me was just to come and take attendance, and nothing more. It was about four months to the end of service year that I came up with the idea to renovate the Town Hall of Otan Ayegbaju.

After few enquiries, I realized that the community was already on this project, and there were architectural designs as well as funds set aside to rebuild the town hall entirely, but due to political differences, the project had stalled. But I could come in as an independent non-indigenous corps member to coordinating the project.

I had to ditch my renovation ideas and focus on coordinating the exist rebuilding project. With backings from one of the state house representative aspirant, I was able to speak to the king and some notable political and businessmen who resides out of both Otan and Osun state that were willing to support the project, but guess what, I was too late.

It was a actually a simple town hall, nothing complicated, but would still require few months for completion, a luxury of a time I did not have since it is already less than four months to go. The LGI also told me that there were certain restriction from the NYSC as to the kind of project that a corps member is allowed to undertake as a CD project. But the obvious support from the community and the fact that a Corps member will bridge the already existing political differences, these restrictions could have been easily bypassed if I had started earlier.

With just little efforts, I would have finished my NYSC with multiple awards both at the state and Federal level. But because I started too late, I couldn't proceed with the project. So if I have the opportunity to redo NYSC, I would research and start working on my CD Project earlier.

Food for Thought: Research and take your CDS assignments seriously, and start working on them as early as possible. Engage with your LGI and community members to identify pressing needs, such as solar-powered boreholes, simple bridges or any other project that can make life easier for the people. This will increase your chance to develop skills, build your resume, make a positive impact on your community, and most important build networks.

7. Apply for Jobs Like Water

During my NYSC year, I didn't apply for as many jobs as I should have. I thought I had time, or that opportunities would come to me eventually. I did apply for few, and got some CBTs and interviews, but not as much as I should. This was a mistake!

The job market is competitive, and waiting until after your service year to start applying can put you at a disadvantage. It’s essential to start applying for jobs early, even while you’re still serving. The more applications you send out, the higher your chances of landing a good position by the time you finish NYSC.

Food for Thought: Don’t wait until the end of your NYSC year to start job hunting. Begin applying for jobs as early as possible, even if it feels like you’re casting a wide net. Persistence is key, and the more you apply, the better your chances of securing a job that aligns with your career goals.

8. Leverage the NYSC Experience for International Opportunities

During my service year, I didn’t think much beyond Nigeria’s borders. But if I could do it again, I would explore international opportunities. Whether it’s applying for scholarships, internships, or even jobs abroad, NYSC can be a stepping stone to global experiences. The world is more connected than ever, and there are countless opportunities out there if you’re willing to look for them.

Food for Thought: Don’t limit your thinking to just Nigeria. NYSC can be a platform to explore international opportunities. Look for scholarships, internships, and job offers abroad. The world is more connected than ever, and your service year could be the beginning of a global career.

9. Make a Concrete Plan for Post-NYSC

As the end of my service year approached, I found myself scrambling to figure out what was next. If I could do it again, I would have started planning for life after NYSC much earlier.

This would include researching job opportunities as mentioned above, exposing my Resume to the eyes of professionals and mentors for improvement and optimizations, microscopically selecting a state or countries to move to for better opportunities and so on. I would also explore options for further studies or professional certifications that could give me an edge in the job market, and so on.

Food for Thought: Don’t wait until your service year ends to start planning for the future. Begin researching job opportunities, updating your resume, and applying for positions well in advance. If further studies or certifications are in your plans, start preparing early. A well-thought-out plan can ease the transition from NYSC to your next career move.

Conclusion

NYSC is more than just a year of service; it’s an opportunity to lay the foundation for your future. If you approach it with purpose, intention, and a willingness to learn, it can be one of the most impactful years of your life. As someone who has been through it, I encourage current and future corps members to think strategically about their service year. Make choices that will set you up for success long after you’ve hung up your khaki.