NYSC: A Scheme and Not a Scam, PERSONAL EXPERIENCE

by AMUSA Abdurrahman O. – “NYSC na Scam, NYSC na Scam” has become a familiar refrain among Nigerian graduates, and even undergraduates who haven’t yet experienced the program often share this sentiment. This perception is largely influenced by the discouraging stories and experiences shared by friends or peers who have participated in the scheme. For years, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has been a pivotal part of every Nigerian graduate’s journey. Established in 1973, it was created with the noble intention to foster national unity and integration by deploying young Nigerians to serve in regions outside their ethnic and cultural comfort zones. However, in recent times, the scheme has come under scrutiny, with many youths labelling it as ineffective or even a “scam.” These criticisms often arise from the perceived gap between the scheme’s lofty goals and the realities on the ground.

But is NYSC truly a scam? Or has it been misunderstood by a generation expecting instant success and comfort? While the program is not without its challenges, dismissing it as useless overlooks its immense value—not just for the nation, but for the individual participants themselves.

This piece aims to debunk the myths surrounding the NYSC, highlight its benefits, and explain why it remains a critical scheme for Nigerian graduates.
The memories gathered during the three-week NYSC orientation camp are often lasting and cherished. However, the initial days can be quite challenging as corps members adjust to the strict, regimented lifestyle.

The day begins with the piercing sound of the early morning bugle, cutting sleep short and calling everyone to the parade ground for drills. The demanding physical exercises, coupled with sometimes monotonous and exhausting SAED lectures, make the days feel long. Meals are often simple and served in portions that may not fully satisfy, adding to the adjustment. Yet, as the days go by, the camp experience becomes a blend of excitement and exhaustion, punctuated by social nights, sports competitions, cultural day celebrations, and spirited parade competitions.

These competitions are organized on a platoon basis, with each platoon made up of individuals from various states, backgrounds, and upbringings. This structure encourages everyone to interact and bond, working together toward the shared goal of becoming the best platoon. Despite the ups and downs, the camaraderie, laughter, and shared experiences create unique memories. By the end of camp, corps members have not only made friends but also gained stories that they will carry with them, forever marking this chapter of their lives worth-remembering.

NYSC is not just about the monthly allawee or the “stress” of relocation; it’s about growth, service, and the unique opportunities it presents to those willing to embrace it. For many young people, the program is often viewed with skepticism, and some even go as far as calling it a “scam.” Why is this the case? There are few of the common criticisms that lead to this perception.

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is a program that has long been considered a rite of passage for Nigerian graduates, designed to foster national unity and professional growth. However, it has not been without criticism. Many participants express dissatisfaction, citing issues such as perceptions of cheap labour, lack of relevance to career goals, limited financial support, and concerns about career prospects post-service. While these criticisms are valid, they often overlook the program’s benefits, which make NYSC more than just a year of “scam” or wasted effort.

One of the most frequent complaints is the perception that NYSC exploits corps members as cheap labor. Many participants find themselves filling critical staffing roles in schools, health facilities, and government offices, often with minimal financial compensation. The monthly allowance is often insufficient to cover basic living expenses, leading some to feel that they are being used as a low-cost workforce. However, this viewpoint fails to consider the valuable work experience that corps members gain, enhancing their employability and skill development. While the financial compensation may be modest, the professional experience accrued during the service year often serves as a stepping stone to future career opportunities.

Another criticism of NYSC is the lack of alignment between assigned roles and the participants’ career aspirations. Graduates from fields like engineering, for instance, may find themselves teaching at primary schools, a role that can feel frustratingly irrelevant. This frustration is understandable, especially for those who have spent years specializing in a particular field.

Nonetheless, NYSC was designed with the goal of promoting adaptability and resilience, encouraging young graduates to work in diverse environments. Personally, as an Islamic Studies graduate from the University of Ilorin, I served as an Instructional Technologist at the National Open University of Nigeria—a role entirely outside my field of study. This experience not only broadened my professional abilities but also introduced me to valuable skills that have since supported my career goals.

Furthermore, NYSC’s Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) program collaborates with organizations to offer discounted training in various fields. For example, I enrolled in courses through Dexter and Hero Consulting LTD, which provided certification in project management at a reduced cost. Such initiatives underscore NYSC’s commitment to offering participants valuable skills that contribute to their professional growth, even when their assigned roles may seem unrelated to their original career plans.

Financial challenges also pose significant concerns for many corps members. For those assigned to high-cost-of-living areas, like Abuja, the NYSC monthly allowance often falls short, exacerbating the feeling of being underpaid after years of formal education.

While the limited stipends are a common grievance, it’s important to recognize that NYSC was never intended to provide a lucrative salary. Instead, it aims to instill self-reliance and resilience, encouraging participants to adapt to a limited budget. By learning to live within their means, corps members gain financial discipline that proves beneficial long after their service year concludes.

A final critique is the perceived lack of support and career direction after NYSC. Many corps members feel that once their service year ends, they are left to fend for themselves without clear pathways into the job market. Although NYSC has taken steps to address this by introducing initiatives that connect participants with career opportunities, this aspect remains an area for improvement. Nevertheless, the skills and experience gained during the year can enhance participants’ employability, providing a solid foundation for future success.

While these criticisms are not unfounded, they often overshadow the real value NYSC offers in terms of personal growth, professional development, and national unity. Instead of viewing NYSC as a scam, it may be more beneficial to see it as an opportunity—a stepping stone that, despite its imperfections, prepares young Nigerians for the challenges and realities of their future careers and lives.

Despite icriticisms, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) remains a valuable scheme that offers numerous benefits to participants and the nation as a whole. While some may focus on its shortcomings, it’s essential to recognize the positive impacts it brings.

For many graduates, NYSC provides a first real-world work experience. Whether corps members are placed in schools, health facilities, government offices, or private companies, they are given a unique opportunity to develop hands-on skills that can set the foundation for their careers.

The program also allows corps members to meet professionals from various fields and regions, expanding their professional network. These connections can be instrumental in finding job opportunities or mentorship after their service year. NYSC has incorporated Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programs, which are designed to train participants in various vocational skills and entrepreneurial practices. Through SAED, corps members can learn skills in areas such as agriculture, ICT, and fashion, which can lead to sustainable career paths or business ventures.

Serving in different parts of the country allows corps members to experience life in diverse communities. This exposure not only broadens their perspectives but also helps them appreciate the variety within Nigeria. Many participants find that living in new places challenges their assumptions and increases their empathy and tolerance for different ways of life.

Living and working in an unfamiliar environment, often with limited resources, pushes individuals to step out of their comfort zones. This experience builds resilience, adaptability, and independence, which are all critical life skills. Many corp members find that they grow significantly as individuals by the end of their service year.

During their service year, corps members often assume leadership roles within their assigned communities or even at the NYSC orientation camp, gaining hands-on experience in management, teamwork, and problem-solving. Reflecting on my own 3-week orientation at Asaya, Kogi State, I served as the Head of Photography with the NYSC Orientation Broadcasting Service (OBS). This role gave me numerous opportunities to engage with camp officials and fellow corps members, allowing me to forge valuable connections and friendships that enriched my NYSC experience.

NYSC often places graduates in rural or underserved areas that lack essential services, such as quality education and healthcare. Corps members frequently fill this gap, teaching in schools, supporting local clinics, or helping to organize community development projects. The impact they have on these communities can be significant, as they bring fresh ideas, energy, and skills that benefit local residents. Through the NYSC Community Development Service (CDS), corps members actively engage in projects that address pressing needs in their host communities. These projects may include sanitation drives, literacy programs, or health outreach initiatives. By working on such projects, participants not only make a tangible difference but also gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by these communities.

In these ways, NYSC serves as a platform for Nigerian graduates to develop professionally and personally, while also contributing to the greater good of society. Though it may not be perfect, the scheme offers experiences that can shape participants’ futures and foster a sense of national pride and unity.

Conclusively, The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) may not be without its challenges, but dismissing it as a “scam” fails to recognize the vital role it plays in shaping young Nigerians and fostering national unity. While some participants may experience frustrations due to inadequate allowances, safety concerns, and mismatches in job placements, these issues do not overshadow the immense personal growth, career development, and positive societal impact that the scheme facilitates.

For many like myself, it has been a transformative year, one that pushes them out of their comfort zones and introduces them to people and places they might never have encountered otherwise. The cultural exchange, leadership opportunities, and community service projects that corps members undertake are all part of building a more cohesive, understanding, and resilient Nigeria. Rather than viewing NYSC as a setback, graduates could benefit from seeing it as a stepping stone—an opportunity to cultivate resilience, adaptability, and empathy while contributing to the country’s development. Although it’s not a perfect system, its potential for positive change cannot be overlooked. With continued improvements and support, the NYSC program can continue to be a significant force in shaping Nigeria’s future.

As a passionate advocate for the NYSC, I can confidently say that my service year was profoundly transformative, offering countless opportunities for personal growth. From acquiring new skills and taking on diverse roles to engaging in various volunteer services, I significantly expanded my professional network. I achieved this by fully leveraging the abundant opportunities provided by the NYSC scheme. I urge young Nigerian graduates who are skeptical about participating in the scheme to embrace the experience with an open mind and harness the opportunities it offers. Whether through teaching, building infrastructure, or engaging in grassroots projects, NYSC is a program with a clear purpose and immense potential. Let’s see it as a stepping stone rather than a scam—a pathway toward building a better Nigeria, one corps member at a time.

Yours Sincerely,
AMUSA Abdurrahman O.
FC/23C/0789
Batch C/1.