By Ejiofor Toochi
NYSC Is Over, Now What?
In 2019, when Richard Ayoade completed his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), he felt ready for the real world. Alongside a friend, he launched a startup, but two years later, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, and the business folded. This forced Richard to change directions. “My biggest challenge,” he said, “was having to learn new skills to suit the new roles I had to take up.” Now, after working different jobs since passing out, Richard works as an engineer.
For many young Nigerians, completing NYSC feels like a bridge to the next chapter, whether that’s getting a job, starting a business, relocating abroad, or building a family.
But what happens after service?
It’s the point where graduates are thrown into the ‘real world,’ joining Nigeria’s ever-competitive labour market. Life after NYSC services comes with its realities, a phase marked by job hunting, career uncertainty, and the pressure to earn a good living.
Onaopemipo Adewunmi, who completed NYSC in 2022, had a very clear idea of what came next; travel abroad, get his master’s, and go to film school. “The first few months of unemployment really hit me hard,” he shared. “Nothing could’ve prepared me for that. It felt like I was slowly withering away.” Eventually, things picked up after about eight months of self-development. Sunkanmi strongly believes that NYSC played its part. “Honestly, NYSC did a good job preparing me for what was ahead,” he added, “now I feel like I’m living that reality head-on.”
For Onyinyechi Johnson, life after service is still unfolding. “It’s not been so bad,” she said, “but as someone searching for a job, it’s kind of tough.” One of her biggest challenges has been financial stability. “Consistent pay monthly is actually very convenient,” she said. “Once it stops, you will most likely feel it, particularly if you don’t have a job afterwards.” Onyinyechi’s advice is simple, “Start actively searching for a job early.”
“If there’s one thing I’ve learned,” Richard advises, “it’s to save as much as you can. Avoid using loans to finance a new business. Otherwise, you’ll end up using most of your profits to pay them back.”
From Richard to Sunkanmi to Onyinyechi, one thing is clear, life after NYSC doesn’t follow a script. Plans and careers may change, job hunting will be draining, and growth often comes through trial and error. But most importantly, growth is certain.
