SURVIVING NYSC II: POST-CAMP

Disclaimer: The information in this medium article is based on my experiences as a corp member who attended Obubra camp (Cross river). These guidelines may not apply to all camps in Nigeria. I accept no responsibility for your interpretation of anything written here. Believe everything you read here at your own risk. This article was not written with the intention of tarnishing the image and resilience of the Nigerian military, NYSC body, and officials.

Congratulations on making it through what was likely a difficult and challenging period. It’s probably been a relief to finally reach the end of those three weeks in camp.

On the final day of camp, you should have received your first payment from the government, which is a total of Thirty-Three Thousand naira. Upon leaving camp you will be given your Posting Letter.

Here are the tips to make you have an ease free post-camp experience:

1. Pack your bags the night before departure: Your best bet against theft in the last week of camp is to drop all your belongings with any of the religious communities in camp. I personally entrusted my belongings with the NCCF (Nigerian Christian Corpers Fellowship) the night before Passing out parade to avoid stories that touch.

2. Head straight to the city of your posting: I would suggest that you do not return home immediately(unless you plan on relocating) and instead spend at least a week in the city where you have been posted. If you have enough money, it’s advisable you stay in a moderately priced hotel during this time. Use this week to sort out your PPA, Local Government Documentation, CDS posting, and Accommodation.

3. Visit your PPA and go for documentation: Once you have found a place to spend the night, the next day should be devoted to completing any tasks related to your Place of Primary Assignment (PPA). Go to your PPA location and get your acceptance slip signed. Then, go to the local government office and register your name and PPA. After this, you will be assigned to a CDS group.

4. Travel if you want and resume when your PPA tells you to: If you are accepted by your Place of Primary Assignment (PPA), you are allowed to take a 2–3 week leave of absence before returning to work, as approved by NYSC. It is important to let your PPA know about this before leaving their office.

5. Sort out accommodation: If you are a corps member and want to begin living independently, it is important to find a rental apartment after leaving the orientation camp. This process can take at least 2–3 weeks. It is recommended to wait and familiarize yourself with the area before choosing a place to live, as you will have a better understanding of safe and convenient routes to your place of primary assignment and the best neighbourhoods in the state. Unless you are financially well-off, it is likely that you will have to stay with family or friends at some point during this process.

Author’s Note: Hope you had a great read. If you have suggestions or more tips for PCMs kindly drop a comment. This story will be updated with more tips from time-to-time, so feel free check on it whenever you think about NYSC. This is also going to be my last article for the year, see you in 2023. Before you leave don’t forget to hit the follow and subscribe button😊. Thank you.