In my country Nigeria, it is a requirement for fresh graduates to serve the country. This exercise has been made compulsory such that one cannot be accepted to work in a government establishment without proof of service.
This exercise is geared towards promoting patriotism and unity of the different tribes in the country.
The program is called National Youth service corps (NYSC)
It is a fun and inspiring experience that opens one to several opportunities. I have been looking forward to it since I was an undergraduate. Now that I’m done with school and NYSC exercise is by the corner, I’ve suddenly developed a phobia!
Here is how NYSC program works.
The number of graduating students are submitted by individual schools to the NYSC board for students’ mobilization. After that, a date is announced for registration of all qualified candidates. The registrations last about a week and then a waiting period for a call up letter to be uploaded on each individual’s dashboard.
I have registered and currently waiting for my call up letter to know which state out of the 36 states in Nigeria to be posted to serve my country. The exercise starts with an orientation camp of up to 21 days followed by posting to different government and private establishment to work.
Members of NYSC are called youth corpers or Corp members and are being paid a token (usually minimum wage) to assist in their sustainability in any part of the country they will be posted to.
However, some Corp members can be lucky enough to be posted in an establishment that will also pay them salaries and even permanently employ them when their service year is over.
Some others might get posted to a rural area committed to serve the community selflessly without any pay asides the official token from the NYSC.
I’m likely going to be in camp by 23rd of this month (8days to go!) and the closer it gets, the more my fear.
First of all, I have never stayed in a hostel setting before, I’m still not sure if or how I’m going to cope with that lifestyle for 21 days!
Secondly, the fact that I have no idea how far I'll be posted and the kind of people I'll meet there also gives me concern.
I know this opportunity can also open opportunities for me to go to places and meet with people that might assist me to achieve my dreams but there are too many questions in my head. Ones that I or anyone else don’t have answers to until I know which state I'll be posted to and of course until I get there.
I guess I gotta try to keep it together and see it through the next one year.
So there you have it!... My NYSC camping fever... Any word of advice for me?
My beautiful friend Ese gave me permission to use her pictures
Thanks so much for your usual support.
See you in the next post!