By Isaac Atunlute
You’ve graduated, served your country, and hung up your khaki. Congratulations! But what’s next?
For many Nigerian graduates, completing the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) marks a significant milestone. More often than not, though, a mix of uncertainty and anxiety follows immediately.
The transition afterwards can be daunting. Many corps members reach the end of their service year unprepared for the job market, stepping into a competitive market that can be unforgiving and overwhelming.
The Unspoken Challenges
A recent study reveals that securing a stable job within a year of completing NYSC is no easy feat due to high competition and limited opportunities.
Tunde Lawal, who serves in Nasarawa State, shared his experience: “They said NYSC was the bridge to employment, but for most of us, it’s just a pause before reality hits hard. I’m already hustling small, just in case my PPA doesn’t retain me.”
Voices of Hope: Those Who Got Retained or Employed
Rita Ambrose, who served in a government agency in Abuja, had a different experience: “I was fortunate to be retained at my PPA, but I noticed many of my colleagues weren’t. It’s essential to make yourself indispensable during your service year.”
Akin to Uche Perpetual, who served in a tech firm in Abuja: “I just showed up every day and gave my best, two weeks before POP, they offered me a full-time role as a software developer.”
The Dreamers: Those Eager to Leave Nigeria After Service
Yet for corps members like Faith Olawola, the NYSC experience serves as a final test of patience with the Nigerian system. “This service year showed me the system isn’t ready for me. I’m writing the IELTS next month,” she said
Similarly, Emeka Godswill, who was deployed to Abuja, said, “I saved all the Kobo I earned in NYSC not for business or even for anything else. But as proof of funds. I’m already applying for my master’s abroad.”
Strategies for a Successful Transition
- Skill Development: Invest in acquiring new skills that are pertinent to the contemporary job market, i.e., digital marketing, coding, or data analysis. Cheap courses are available on websites like Coursera and Udemy.
- Entrepreneurship: Consider starting a small business, like freelance writing and dropshipping.
- Leverage government schemes: Explore initiatives like the bet9ja Foundation, the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, or the Tony Elemelu entrepreneurship program that offer finance and support to young entrepreneurs.
Tips
- Be Actively Prepared: Do not wait after NYSC. Even as you serve for the year, start learning opportunities and skills.
- Connect with professionals in your chosen field for guidance and insights.
- Stay up to date. Look at job boards periodically, attend conferences, and keep up with with the latest industry news.
Conclusion
Transitioning from NYSC into the job market can be fraught with challenges. Yet it offers a well of opportunities that will pay dividends in the long run. By active skills acquisition, networking, and entrepreneurial activities, ex-corps members can navigate this stage successfully, laying and a solid foundation for their careers.
The transition from completing the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Nigeria to entering the job market can be daunting, marked by high competition and limited job opportunities. Many graduates face uncertainty and anxiety, with the struggle for employment often being likened to a harsh reality. Experiences vary, with some individuals like Rita Ambrose and Uche Perpetual securing employment through dedication during their service, while others, such as Faith Olawola and Emeka Godswill, consider opportunities abroad after feeling disillusioned with the local system.
To navigate this transition effectively, graduates are advised to focus on skill development in areas like digital marketing, coding, or data analysis, and to explore entrepreneurship or government schemes that offer financial support. Networking with industry professionals and remaining informed about job trends are also crucial steps. Despite the challenges, proactive measures in skills acquisition and entrepreneurship can lead to successful career paths and long-term opportunities.
