If you’re considering applying for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) it is important to be well-prepared and informed about what’s ahead in order to have a nice experience.
Here are 5 things to know before registering for NYSC
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for NYSC, you need to be a Nigerian citizen under the age of 30 and have completed your education at an accredited university or polytechnic, either in Nigeria or abroad, while those over 30 are eligible for an exemption certificate. If you are a foreign-trained graduate, you need to provide your original certificates, transcripts, and passport pages showing your study duration and entry/exit dates and if you’re married, additional documents like a marriage certificate and proof of your spouse’s details may be needed.
Also, you must have a valid ID like a national ID or passport, degree certificate, school ID, passport photo, medical certificate, COVID-19 testing slip, and maintain a clean criminal record.
Registration Process
You can register for NYSC by visiting the official portal online, selecting the batch and stream you’re applying for, and then filling in the registration and biodata form. Make sure to complete the biometric capture, including your thumbprint, and upload a clear passport photo with a plain background, your scanned signature, and all required documents. Carefully review all the details you’ve entered, agree to the terms, and submit the form. Afterwards, you’ll need to pay a registration fee, and then print out your COVID-19 slip and green card within 24 hours. It’s important to register accurately and on time, as late registration could delay your service year.
NYSC Camp Life
NYSC camp life has a daily routine that starts early and ends at 10:00 p.m. A typical day begins at 5:00 a.m. with morning devotion and a parade, followed by breakfast at 7:30 a.m., before the day’s main activities from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., where you’ll attend lectures and Skills Acquisition (SAED) sessions. Lunch is served at 2:00 p.m., followed by an evening parade from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. and dinner is served by 6:00 p.m. From 8:30 to 10:00 p.m., is a social night with music, dancing, and talent shows and by 10:00 p.m., it’s lights out.
It is important to prepare the night before, by laying out shoes and uniforms or even bathing after social night to save time.
Primary Assignment & Place of Service (PPA)
After the orientation camp, you are expected to move on to your Place of Primary Assignment (PPA) where you’ll spend the main part of your service year working in a school, government agency, or sometimes a private organization, depending on your assignment. While the orientation camp is seen as the most fun part of NYSC, the PPA stage is where you make the biggest impact by working directly in a community.
At your PPA, your employer is responsible for providing basic support. This includes offering accommodation or a housing allowance, especially if you live far from your workplace. Every month, your employer will give you a clearance form to sign, which is necessary to receive your NYSC allowance. You’ll also have one day a week reserved for Community Development Service (CDS), where you focus on community projects outside your main work.
Corps members have certain responsibilities at their PPA, too. First, you’ll need to register with the Local Government Inspector (LGI). If you need to travel, you must get permission from both your PPA employer and the state NYSC office. Completing your monthly clearance early is important; this ensures your allowance isn’t delayed. If you’re rejected at your assigned PPA, don’t worry—this often allows you to select another PPA in the same area with help from the LGI.
While at your PPA, you’ll work regular hours just like other staff. If you face any serious issues, NYSC staff, such as your LGI, are available to help.
Monthly Allowance and Financial Planning
NYSC provides each corps member with a monthly allowance known as “allawee.” Following a recent update to reflect inflation and rising living costs, the “allawee.” was increased to ₦77,000 per month as of July 2024.
With these funds, you can plan and save by setting aside a portion of the monthly allowance for future needs, emergencies, or unanticipated costs. Managing the allowance effectively can help you cover your living expenses while gaining valuable financial skills.
-Vanguard
