NYSC | Zikoko!

Uche’s* (27) outgoing vibe landed him a coveted NYSC posting at the National Assembly. In this story, he talks about the free-flowing cash, enjoying Abuja’s nightlife, and how being so close to power in Nigeria was not all he thought it would be.

Life before…

I grew up in a very humble background. And when you’re in that kind of situation, your reality forces you to create alternate universes where you dream big as an escape.

I wasn’t athletic at all, so while other kids played street football, I disappeared into books. I loved international thrillers from writers like James Hadley Chase and Tom Clancy. My dad would also bring home newspapers, and I devoured those too. So from quite a young age, I was already building an interest in government and geopolitics.

Government was my best subject in secondary school, so I went on to study International Relations at university. I dreamt of becoming a foreign service career officer, maybe even an ambassador one day.

Maybe it wasn’t meant to be, or maybe the chance will still come later. But my time at the National Assembly (NASS) showed me the worst sides of Nigerian politics.

Preparing for NYSC

Ending up at NASS was honestly by chance. I wasn’t trying to get posted there, but looking back now, I see how my choices and attitude made it happen. There was a lot of luck involved too.

At university, I got along really well with my lecturers. With their advice and encouragement, I already had my path mapped out. After my bachelor’s, I was going to get a master’s, maybe even a doctorate, and then join the department as a lecturer at my university.

One of my professors told me that the most likely route to the foreign service roles I wanted was through academia. So I didn’t see NYSC as an opportunity, just an obstacle I had to clear before continuing my academic journey.

That’s why I wasn’t too bothered about where I’d serve. Luckily, I got posted to the seat of power: Abuja.

Get More Zikoko Goodness in Your Mail

Subscribe to our newsletters and never miss any of the action

Zikoko Daily Ships Money by Zikoko Her

Being friendly in camp was helpful

This is where things get serious. First of all, remember, this is Nigeria. For a place like the National Assembly, a lot of placements are already reserved for the connected.

So if, like me, you know absolutely no one, the best way to give yourself a chance is to get into a leadership position at camp. At the time, I didn’t realise I was helping my chances. I was just being myself.

Everybody likes a humble, approachable guy. And that’s naturally who I am. I’m outgoing and I love meeting people. So I had no issues walking up to people to introduce myself and get to know them.

You’ll find that most people want friends but don’t want to be the first to initiate. They put up aloof fronts but are pleasantly surprised when someone stretches out a hand for a shake and starts a conversation.

Because I was forward in making friends, I got quite a number of them. So when the platoon leadership elections came up, I indicated interest, and with votes from all my new friends and acquaintances, I won. It was a landslide, to be honest.

Platoon leadership was a stepping stone

I became platoon president, but there are other positions too, like vice president or treasurer. Try to get one of these roles if you can.

As platoon leader, your job is to organise your platoon for morning drills, kitchen duty, cleaning, and so on. That means you interact with camp officials a lot. You also coordinate your platoon’s participation in camp events like sports, pageants, and marching. I made sure my platoon did well in everything. We made the podium in all activities.

I had to do a lot of legwork. Not just because I was platoon leader, but because this was Abuja. Let’s just say a lot of the corpers there were privileged.

Some basically came, registered, and left only to return on the last day of camp. Others stayed during the day but went home at night. Black tinted SUVs were constantly coming and going.

These were the type of people who would quickly contribute funds for whatever needed doing, but I had to do the heavy lifting myself. At the end of the day, being active helped me build a good rapport with the camp officials, and that’s exactly what you need to do.

The meeting

Near the end of the three weeks in camp, the officials called us platoon leaders for a meeting. That’s when they asked if we had places we’d like to be posted to.

Considering my career goals, I immediately said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. But it turned out postings there are in high demand, and far more connected people had already made requests. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was off the table, so I was told to pick between the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) and the National Assembly (NASS). I chose NASS.

Reporting for duty

Those of us posted to NASS took our documentation and went there. At the gate, once you show your papers, they give you a visitor’s tag and let you in. We were ushered into an office, and from there different offices would come and pick from among us. Sometimes representatives requested specific ethnicities or genders.

Of course, this didn’t happen in a single day. Nigeria isn’t the kind of place where things move that fast. Over several days, we’d go, sit in a room, enjoy the AC, scroll on our phones, and wait. Each day, a few people got picked.

One day, while I was chatting with other corpers, a lady came in, pointed at me and another guy, and said, “You and you, follow me.” We followed.

As we walked, she asked if we knew anybody. We said no. Then she asked the other guy his ethnicity. He was Yoruba. She told him to go to the Speaker’s office. She asked me the same. When she heard I was Igbo, she looked disappointed. She thought for a bit, then told me to go to the office of the Clerk of the House of Representatives and tell them she sent me.

So I went. I met the clerk’s assistant, told him she sent me, and he just pointed me to a desk. That was it.

The clerk’s office

The clerk’s office handles general administration and welfare for the House of Representatives.

On the admin side, all bills pass through the clerk’s office before they ever get to the floor. It’s also where all the keys are kept. If anyone wants to access a room, they come to us.

On the welfare side, once items like office furniture or cars are approved, the budget goes to the clerk. The office receives bids from contractors, buys the items, and distributes them to members.

Most days, I’d come in, greet everyone, then start with the register of keys. People sign keys out, so I’d check who hadn’t returned theirs. Then I’d go from office to office to collect them. That took time, but afterwards you basically just sit, relax, go for lunch, gist, and watch TV.

Some days, though, politics demanded certain bills be passed quickly. We’d stay till as late as 11 p.m., fine-tuning the bill. We worked with the legislative aide of whichever representative owned the bill to make sure it was ready for the floor. I knew my stuff, so my boss valued my input.

ALSO READ: I Got a PPA That Paid Me ₦250,000 During NYSC. Here’s How I Did It

The lifestyle

We were paid a salary in addition to the NYSC allowance. And honestly, money flowed freely at NASS. Any politician who came to the clerk’s office would gift us before leaving. “Corper wee, have this,” “Well done, corper. Take this one.” ₦10,000 here and there, it adds up. I usually left with around ₦50,000 most days.

For a poor boy like me, I hadn’t seen that kind of money before. I was just spending. I wish someone had told me to save.

Almost every day after work, we’d head to Silverbird Galleria to watch a couple of films. From there, we’d go to Trukadero. Opposite Trukadero was Cubana, so we’d cross over. Then off to Moscow Underground. We were basically touring Abuja. I have to admit, the nightlife in Abuja is great. It was really fun.

Getting retained after service… Or not

First tip: know your stuff. I did.

I was really good at my job. The Nigerian bureaucracy is full of inefficiency, so I quickly got to work drafting new process documents to make things smoother. My work started getting noticed, and my boss even wanted me to stay after service. Unfortunately, I didn’t fit very well into the culture there, and that ended up working against me.

But here are some tips that might help you have better luck.

How to get retained

Be morally flexible. At NASS, money flows freely. Too freely. Like I said, I would accept gifts from visiting politicians. But every bill has to pass through the clerk’s office, and people are always looking to grease the wheels with cash. I wasn’t ready to collect those kinds of monies, and in that environment, that makes you “untrustworthy.” They’re very cautious of potential whistleblowers.

Never discuss politics. It sounds ironic, but at the National Assembly, avoid all talk about Nigerian politics. Especially any critique of how politicians aren’t doing well. And absolutely do not talk about religion.

Be humble. Or at least act humble. Basically, be a mumu. Unfortunately for me, I wasn’t.

One day, I came to the office and saw someone at my desk. I politely asked him to get up so I could work. To be honest, I think I fell for a trap. It exploded into a big issue.

Apparently, I’d broken some unwritten rule where you can’t tell someone to get up if they’re “higher” than you in some hierarchy I didn’t even know existed. That’s how I got banished from the clerk’s office to some inactive committee. That’s when I knew it was over.

So yes, be “humble.” Remember you’re dealing with people whose survival depends on staying close to power. If they sense any form of threat from you, they’ll do their best to get rid of you.

Maybe if I had kept my head down, I’d have been retained. Maybe if I had been more of a politician.

In summary…

Assuming you studied an appropriate course (political science, government, international relations, etc) and you find yourself posted to Abuja.
- At camp, be a social butterfly. You’ll need people’s support for the elections.
- Contest for a platoon leadership position. That support comes in handy here.
- If you win the elections, be a very active leader. Be respectful and try to build a rapport with the camp officials.
- When you get the opportunity, ask for your desired placement.
- At NASS, be good at your job, work hard and be humble.
- Fingers crossed Nigerian politics doesn’t do its thing.
*Names have been changed to protect the privacy of subjects

Before you go, help us understand how you and other young people feel about the 2027 general elections by taking this 10-minute survey.

Ever had a moment where Nigeria’s systems made life harder—or unexpectedly easier? We want to hear about your personal experiences that reflect how politics or public systems affect daily life in Nigeria. Share your story with us here—we’d love to hear from you!

Click here to see what other people are saying about this article on Instagram

[ad]
Udeme* (22) knows how much a year can change your life; for her, it started with NYSC. In this story, she shares how she turned her service year into the most productive year of her work life by shooting her shot, landing her dream PPA, and 8xing her income.

Here’s how she did it:

Life Before NYSC

I had heard people say that the National Youth Service (NYSC) scheme was a waste of time, but it felt like a great idea because I didn’t know what to do with my life.

I was 20, a fresh graduate of Mass Communication and broke. So when the registration portal for Batch A, 2023, was opened, I was one of the first people to register.

I didn’t believe in vision boards at the time, but I had a mental image of what I wanted the next year to look like. I wanted to be fully employed and earn enough to start living independently.

Preparing for NYSC

A few months before leaving for camp, I created a plan to help me achieve those goals. First, I made a realistic list of the hard and soft skills I had picked up. I also listed my interests to understand what industry and job role would be perfect for me.

I studied Mass Communication and was mostly interested in advertising and public relations. Before I graduated, I also started writing as a means of livelihood. After weighing my options, I chose to go into content marketing. It made sense. I was a great writer and had picked up basic Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) skills.

I was in Ibadan at the time, and I knew I had to have at least one corporate experience if I wanted to work in a good Primary Place of Assignment (PPA). So, I started searching for a place to intern. I wanted a tech startup because of its fast-paced nature.

I created a portfolio to showcase my skills using clippings.me and paid an expert to revamp my CV. Then, I searched for the nearest tech startups next to me. One of them stuck out to me — it was an edtech startup close to my house.

I don’t know why I thought this was the best idea, but I printed my CV and dropped it off at their office. Unfortunately, I wasn’t allowed to see the Human Resources (HR) manager the first time I went. So, I went again a second, third and fourth time.

They must have gotten tired of my shenanigans because the secretary burst into laughter the second she saw me at the office for the fourth time and took me straight to HR, who informed me they weren’t hiring. I wasn’t even looking for a paid role, so when she said, “If we were to hire you, how much would you want to earn?” I blurted out the first thing that came to mind, “Pay me ₦30,000.” That’s how I got my first content marketing internship.

Get More Zikoko Goodness in Your Mail

Subscribe to our newsletters and never miss any of the action

Zikoko Daily Ships Money by Zikoko Her

Pitching to Potential PPA’s

I was still at the edtech company when I started looking for my PPA. I knew I wanted to serve in Lagos, so my search for advertising agencies to intern with was streamlined. I had 20 agencies on my list and pitched to all of them.

There are two major ways to find the people you need to pitch to, wherever you intend to serve — LinkedIn or company career pages. You should have a good profile (nice headshot and description) before sending potential employers messages. With LinkedIn, you can find the employees of a company on the company’s page itself. Look out for people who hold major roles that either align with what you are looking for or make hiring decisions.

The next step is to send a message before making a connection. When you find the employee you want to connect with, go to their LinkedIn profile, click on the three dots next to “message” and select “personalise invite.”

Here’s one of the messages I sent during the process:

“Hello, Mr. X. I hope you’re well. I’m a content marketer, and I would like to ask you a few questions about your work at company X, if you don’t mind.

Let’s connect so we can chat more. Thank you!”

You can make a few changes to your personalised invite. When they respond, you should ask whether the company hires corpers. If you really hit things off, you can talk them into giving you a direct email address to send your cold pitch to.

A simple way to do this is to go to the company’s career website and send your cold pitch to the recommended email address.

How I Wrote My Cold Pitch Email + Free Template

Once you have your email, you can shoot your shot. Here’s the template I created to guide the multiple applications I submitted.

“Dear Hiring Manager,

My name is XXX, and I am a National Youth Service Corps member. As per the nation’s requirements regarding the NYSC scheme, I must complete a 1-year internship in an area related to my discipline. Through this email, I would like to officially state my interest in joining company X for an internship as a [job role].

During my time as a [job role] at [previous workplace], I developed key skills, including xxx, which contributed to a 25% increase in social media engagement and a 30% rise in web traffic within just four months. These results show the value I can bring and why I’d be an incredible addition to company X.

I have provided my resume and a link to my portfolio for you to review. I look forward to meeting with you to discuss how my qualifications can benefit your company during my compulsory service year.

Sincerely,

XXX”

Please note: The subject of this story created this template in 2023 and suggests you use it only as a guide to shape yours according to this year’s standards.

Negotiating salary and getting a request letter before going to the NYSC camp

After my last internship experience, I learned never to blurt out the first figure that comes to mind. So before my official interview with the company I eventually joined, I checked their Glassdoor reviews to see what employees were saying about the company’s payment system. They offered me ₦150,000 as a starting salary with a promise to review it after probation. I pushed further and asked that a ₦100,000 raise after probation be clearly stated in my employment contract.

I also informed them that I would need a request letter before going to camp. It’s important to submit a request letter in camp; without that, you’ll be obligated to serve wherever NYSC picks you up.

Here’s the template I sent to the company:

The State Coordinator

N.Y.S.C Secretariat,

lyana Ipaja,

Lagos State.

Dear Sir/Madam,

REQUEST FOR YOUTH CORPER TO SERVE IN OUR ORGANISATION

With regards to the above matter, we are writing in request for Corper XXX with call up number XXX to serve in our organisation as a Junior Content Associate. Her posting to the company will be beneficial to us.

Name: XXX

Call-up No: XXX

We sincerely hope our request will be granted.

Regards,

X

Serving in My Primary Place of Assignment

On the last day of orientation camp, every corper gets a posting letter. I had already submitted my request, so there were no surprises. I resumed at my PPA and got right into my duties. Some days, I forgot I was a corper because my role was full-time.

Adjusting to Lagos was tough at first — I spent an average of four hours in traffic daily. Still, I was happy. Honestly, I believe I lucked out with that company. I made lifelong friends, did great work, and got to collaborate with brands I used to fangirl over. Overall, it was a 10/10 experience. The year flew by so quickly that I decided to stay on with the company even after my service year

Ever had a moment where Nigeria’s systems made life harder—or unexpectedly easier? We want to hear about your personal experiences that reflect how politics or public systems affect daily life in Nigeria. Share your story with us here—we’d love to hear from you!

[ad]
Every week, Zikoko seeks to understand how people move the Naira in and out of their lives. Some stories will be struggle-ish, others will be bougie. All the time, it’ll be revealing.

When did you first realise the importance of money?

That was around 2013 or 2014. My mum had a lucrative business importing rice and groundnut oil from Cotonou. But that year, customs seized her goods, and her finances never fully recovered.

Since my mum was the only parent who took on the financial burden at home, the situation affected us children, too. I was in JSS 3 and was sent out of school for the first time ever. We were halfway into the term, and my school fees were still unpaid. My boarding school was in a different state, and my housemaster literally put me on a bus and followed me back to my mum’s shop in Lagos.

This experience was a clear lesson about the importance of money.

Do you know why all the financial burden was on your mum?

My dad wasn’t involved. I don’t even know what he did for money; he just went out and returned home every day. My mum paid for everything, even the school fees of a cousin who stayed with us after losing their father.

But things changed after customs seized my mum’s goods. As a child, I loved corned beef and even took it to school almost daily. That had to stop.

Our financial situation also affected my mum mentally; she started shouting in her sleep and was constantly thinking about money. It was a tough period that also influenced how I think about money today.

How so?

My mum’s money problems showed me that money really does a lot, but it is also fickle. You can have so much today, and then a random problem comes and takes all the money away.

Also, it drove me to want to make money, and I took the first opportunity I got when I entered uni. In my first year, I accidentally started a food business with my cousin, who was in 200 level.

How do you accidentally start a food business?

I didn’t know I could cook. But I noticed that people often complimented my meals and wanted me to cook for them. One day, I thought, “I can make money with this thing.”

I spoke to my cousin, and we started. This was in 2019.

My cousin was more popular in school, so she found customers and took care of deliveries; I just cooked. I mostly made the meals in large bowls. There was no standard price, but ₦3k could cook a bowl of soup with meat and other proteins. My cousin and I shared the money. I can’t remember how much we made weekly, but business was good.

The income from cooking helped augment the occasional ₦2k my mum sent for my upkeep. One time I even saved some money and sent it to my aunt to waybill thrift clothes to me at school so I could sell them. The thrift business didn’t take off, though. I ended up wearing most of the clothes.

We ran the cooking business for two semesters and stopped when my cousin transferred to a private university. I tried to keep the business going and started delivering the food. But a customer tried to harass me on a delivery run, so I quit.

Phew. What did you do next?

In 200 level, I worked with a housing agent in my school. I just had to sit down in their shop and sell the mattresses. The job was shift-based; I could leave when I had lectures because there were other students, and we took turns staying at the shop. My salary was ₦8k/month.

At the same time, I started a cleaning business. The agent also rented houses to people, so it was the perfect way to get clients. When people came to rent, I offered my cleaning services. I mostly made ₦2k – ₦3k cleaning self-contained apartments. The money was small, but I needed all the money I could get. The highest I made was ₦10k for a three-bedroom apartment.

I did both gigs from 200 level to 400 level. Then, I stopped to focus on my final-year project.

Get More Zikoko Goodness in Your Mail

Subscribe to our newsletters and never miss any of the action

Zikoko Daily Ships Money by Zikoko Her

How did you survive without the jobs?

I assisted a friend with their online business. My job was to answer clients’ messages and questions. It didn’t take up much of my time, so it didn’t affect my project. There was no fixed or consistent salary since my friend was essentially helping me out with something to do, occasionally paying me ₦20k while at it.

I graduated in December 2023 but wasn’t called up for NYSC until June 2024 because of clearance delays from my school. NYSC posted me to a private school in a village in Ekiti. I’m still there.

Does the school pay you a salary?

I guess ₦10k qualifies as a salary. NYSC pays a ₦33k monthly stipend, bringing my total monthly income to ₦43k. The money isn’t just small; this place is uncomfortable.

I cried the first day I came to the town. They haven’t had electricity in years, and I pay ₦700 to charge my phone and power bank every two to three days. It took a lot to get used to the fact that I’d have to live in this place for a year.

There are mud houses everywhere, and it’s almost like there’s zero development. Thankfully, the school provided a small room in the principal’s family house, which is a two-minute walk from the school. Also, I occasionally get free foodstuffs from the principal, which has helped reduce my feeding expenses. At least that’s one advantage of living in a village.

Speaking of, what do your typical monthly expenses look like?

Another corps member recently made friends with a neighbour who has solar electricity, so charging expenses have been removed from my monthly budget.

I manage as much as possible. Since January, I’ve squeezed out ₦5k every month to keep in my savings. I also only buy data a little at a time — usually ₦500 every other day — for the course I’m taking and to keep myself company because there’s nothing else to do here. Still, I’m in debt by the end of the month because what I make is not enough, and I have to borrow from friends.

What kind of quality of life would you say ₦43k gives you?

I’ll maybe rate it a -10. I’m pushing myself with statements like, “This is just a phase.”

I honestly didn’t know I could manage this money this way. I may not be doing the best job, but service year has taught me financial management. Ordinarily, I wouldn’t think of savings, yet I’ve built a saving habit by force. I know how close I am to having nothing in my bank account, so I have to be smart about my financial decisions.

In summary, NYSC has forced me to be prudent. It’s not entirely terrible, though. At least I’m better with money. But you know the funny thing?

What’s that?

The money I make now isn’t much different from what I made in university — maybe I even earned less. But the cost of things has tripled and quadrupled, and everything is so expensive.

Before, my friend and I would gather ₦5k and use it to eat and buy clothes. I even bought different foodstuffs to experiment with food recipes I found online. I can’t try that now.

For months, we’ve heard rumours that the government wants to increase our stipend to ₦77k. I knew it was mere propaganda and would not happen anytime soon, so I didn’t even pay attention. But things are so hard. I’ll be done with NYSC in May, and I can focus on improving my finances to increase my savings and care for myself.

Do you have plans for post-NYSC?

I don’t have a clear path right now; I’ve just been applying to as many graduate trainee roles as I can find in any industry. I’ve mostly gotten rejections so far, but I won’t relent.

I’m taking the project management course to give me an edge in the job market. Money is my greatest motivation right now. I just want anything that will allow me to earn money and improve my financial situation.

When I get a job and start a career, I can decide which specific path I want to specialise in, but for now, just give me money. Money is my passion.

Is there an ideal amount you’d like to earn?

₦500k/month. But I know I don’t have the qualifications or experience to earn such, so I’d happily take ₦150k. At least, that should make me somewhat comfortable. I’ll still be prudent because I know what it means to lack, and I wouldn’t want to return to the same situation.

Is there anything you want right now but can’t afford?

I try not to allow myself to desire anything because I can’t afford much. But if I had to want something, it’d be a new phone. I don’t even want to check prices because where’s the money?

How would you rate your financial happiness on a scale of 1-10?

2. I have to manage and banish cravings from my mind constantly. It’s a lot. I can’t wait to be in a better place financially.

If you’re interested in talking about your Naira Life story, this is a good place to start.

Yes, I want to do a Naira Life!

Find all the past Naira Life stories here.

Subscribe to the newsletter here.

Join 1,000+ Nigerians, finance experts and industry leaders at The Naira Life Conference by Zikoko for a day of real, raw conversations about money and financial freedom. Click here to buy a ticket and secure your spot at the money event of the year, where you’ll get the practical tools to 10x your income, network with the biggest players in your industry, and level up in your career and business.

[ad]
Every week, Zikoko seeks to understand how people move the Naira in and out of their lives. Some stories will be struggle-ish, others will be bougie. All the time, it’ll be revealing.

What’s your earliest memory of money?

My parents gave me ₦10 daily for snacks in primary school, and I spent it on those frozen powdered drinks sold as “ice cream”. ₦5 could get five of those, and I’d spend the balance on whatever. Life was good.

How good?

Good enough to take food to school and still have money to spend on whatever I wanted. My parents were civil servants, and sometimes, my dad would drive me to school. We were the average middle-class family. But then, my parents separated when I was in Primary 1, and money became a problem.

How so?

My mum, siblings and I had to leave our three-bedroom house and move in with a family friend until my mum could afford a one-room apartment. We even moved in when it was practically empty — we had just three plastic chairs.

My mum became the sole provider. I went from being the student with money to spend during lunch break to being one of the students who was sent home for not paying school fees. It was a harsh transition that lasted about three years before my parents got back together.

They stayed together for a year and separated again — for good this time — when I was in Primary 5. This was in 2008.

What did this mean to you?

It affected me more than it did the first time. I must’ve been around six when we had to leave the first time, and I don’t remember feeling sad that my dad wasn’t around. But by the final separation, I could see just how much it affected my mum financially.

I was just about to enter secondary school, and she’d always talk about trying to raise money for my fees. At the end of the day, she had to convince my principal to waive some extra charges so I could resume school after I’d spent a few weeks at home.

Then my mum got laid off from work when I was in JSS 2 and started selling raw grains to make money. I helped her anytime I was home from school. That was the first thing I did to earn money.

Did your mum pay you?

Yes. People in our area couldn’t afford to buy in bulk, so she’d open a bag of grains and ask me to divide them into smaller portions and tie them in smaller bags. She paid ₦100 for every bag I tied, and I could tie two to three bags in a day.

I did that on and off during the weekends. In SS 2, I started selling chocolates to my classmates. I’d moved in with a family friend to reduce the financial burden on my mum, and I decided I needed to make extra money to cover transportation and other things I needed at school.

My mum was still paying for my school fees and sending a ₦2k – ₦3k monthly allowance, but the extra money from the chocolates came in handy for additional expenses.

What kind of profit did you make?

A pack of 80 pieces cost ₦300, and transportation to and fro the market cost ₦100. I sold each candy at ₦10, making ₦400 in profit after removing the cost of buying and transportation.

I sold the chocolates until I left secondary school in 2014. I didn’t get admission into university until 2018. I first took on a ₦14k/month waitress job and then left to work as a receptionist at a photo studio for ₦15k/month.

After a few months, my mum had an accident, and I had to stay home to take care of her. It was while I was at home that I started writing for money in 2016.

How did you start writing?

I read a lot and often wrote to replicate what I read. I wrote a lot about everything going on in my family. I posted some of these stories on Nairaland and met the first person who paid me to write. She paid me ₦1k for a 1000-word lifestyle article. She liked it and gave me three more writing gigs. I made ₦4500 in total from her.

I applied for more writing gigs on Nairaland and gradually got clients. I could write up to three articles weekly and earn between ₦6k – ₦10k. That became my primary source of income till I finally got into uni in 2018.

Did you continue the writing gigs in uni?

Managing the gigs and school work was difficult, especially because I used my phone to write. Since I didn’t have a laptop, I’d first write out the articles on paper before typing them into my phone. It was too stressful, so I just stopped looking for gigs.

Around the same time, I saw an advert for a modelling audition at school and decided to apply. I passed the audition and got cast to walk for a fashion show for free. I was happy to do it for the experience. The agency offered to sign me on, and I paid ₦5k to register as one of their models.

How does modelling for an agency work?

A modelling agency should train their models, send them out for gigs and then handle payment. Unfortunately for me, my agency only took their models to parties and clubs to meet men.

The final straw was when they made me do a nude photoshoot. I wasn’t comfortable with my nude pictures being out for anyone to see, so I quit. I was with them for only five months.

Did you try to get gigs on your own?

I went for multiple auditions, but I’m short, and most of the casting directors said they wanted someone 5’9” and above.

I didn’t get another gig until 2019 when I got paid ₦10k to walk the runway for a one-day show. The fashion house owner saw one of my online practice videos and liked it.

That show helped me meet other people in the industry and build a network. I started getting small modelling gigs once or twice a month. ₦7k for a photoshoot here and ₦5k to work with a make-up artist there.

I spent most of what I made on transportation. In modelling, you’re always on the move for one rehearsal, fitting or the like, and that took a lot of my money. When I wasn’t working on paid gigs, I worked on unpaid collaborations to build my portfolio. Honestly, it was just something I enjoyed doing, so I didn’t mind that I wasn’t making much from it.

But how were you surviving?

I picked up stage decoration — mostly from watching others do it — and did the odd decoration gig for faculty and departmental functions when I wasn’t modelling. That usually brought in ₦10k – ₦15k per gig, but it wasn’t regular. I hardly got any allowance from home.

In 2021, another modelling agency signed me. I found them on Instagram and they looked legit. I paid ₦15k to register, but I left after six months.

Why?

The gigs weren’t coming. None of the new models got gigs within that period, and I couldn’t even take on outside jobs. At that point, I decided to give modelling a break.

I took up a part-time job as an assistant to someone who produced cosmetics. It was just twice a week and paid ₦20k/month. It was the highest I’d ever made up to that point, and it helped that it didn’t interfere with school. I worked there for seven months and left when I was about to enter my final year because I needed to go for a three-month teaching practice internship.

Did you get paid for this internship?

Nope. I survived by taking random modelling and movie extra gigs on the weekends. I even got a small supporting role on a movie set once and got paid ₦70k after filming.

The school I interned at did try to retain me and offered ₦20k/month, but I didn’t take it. Around that time, I participated in a beauty contest/reality show situation that turned my life upside down.

I’m listening

I honestly don’t know why I keep falling for sham agencies, but I fell for this one. It was a pageant that was supposed to pay the winner ₦100k. I paid ₦5k for the application form, and the organisers housed me and the other contestants. Then, they began hounding us for votes.

This was how votes worked: You had to get people to “buy” votes for you by paying the organisers. Each vote cost ₦100, and most contestants bought their own votes just to get ahead.

I had to join them to buy votes after the organisers placed me in the “bottom five” group twice in a row. I contacted a few people for money but got no help, so I borrowed ₦10k from a loan app to buy my votes.

Did that help?

It kept me in the house until the main event. But then, the organisers came again and told us to start selling tickets for it, and I just gave up.

But I still had to repay the loan, and with interest, it came to about ₦13500. I started getting multiple calls from the loan guys after the pay-back date elapsed, and I panicked and took another loan from a different app to pay them. That’s how my loan cycle started in 2022.

I didn’t have a strong source of income, so it was easy to fall back on more apps to repay my debt. Plus, the interests were always so much. I’d borrow ₦18k and have to pay back ₦27k. Then I’d borrow ₦27k and have to pay ₦35k.

My debt had grown to ₦78k when I saw a WhatsApp BC about an opening for bikini girls for a pool party.

Bikini girls?

Dancers. We just had to dance in bikinis. The pay was ₦6k for a one-day event. I’d never worn a bikini in public before, but I was desperate for money. So, I applied and got the gig. I danced and got paid, but the organiser complained I was too self-conscious and stiff.

A week later, I got another bikini dancing gig for two weekends. That one paid ₦12k in total. I got another gig at a lounge that paid ₦5k to dance every Friday. I noticed the other girls got tips when they danced close to the men. So, I did the same thing and made ₦15k in tips on the first day.

I danced for a month and made enough money to clear my ₦78k debt. There was no reason for me to take the gigs anymore, so I left most of the WhatsApp groups that posted those jobs. But two weeks later, I realised I was pregnant. I couldn’t tell anyone, and I couldn’t keep it either, so I Googled options for an abortion. I found medication online that cost ₦38k. I didn’t have money, so I returned to the loan apps. I borrowed ₦45k and bought the drugs. While waiting for the drugs to be delivered to me, I had a miscarriage.

Damn

I couldn’t get a refund, and I had a debt of ₦70k — the loan amount + interest — to clear. The fastest way I knew to make money was to return to dancing, so I did that.

I found a club that hired strippers on a tip-sharing basis — they took 40% of every tip the dancers made. I worked there for a week and made ₦30k. I left because they didn’t allow dancers to wear masks, and I wasn’t comfortable.

The next gig I found only required me to strip dance at a lounge on Fridays and get paid ₦15k. Thankfully, I was allowed to wear a mask. I sometimes had sex with male customers to get extra tips — usually up to ₦15k/week. It weighed a lot on my conscience, so I only had the courage to work once every two weeks. That worked for a while, and I was able to reduce my dependence on loans.

But then, I hit a setback in 2023.

What happened?

I lost over ₦200k to a fake Instagram vendor. I was trying to buy a phone, and the vendor looked legit. I borrowed the money from several loan apps. But the vendor took my money and blocked me. Thinking about it now, it was a very unwise decision.

I began another round of borrowing to repay the different apps. But again, their interest rates were high, and within three months, my debt had grown to ₦700k.

Yikes. What was the plan to settle that?

I had to start stripping every weekend to meet up. Sometimes, I dance twice weekly, depending on how often the gigs come.

I graduated from university in 2023 and am currently serving, but I still have debt, so I strip and dance. I do any job I can find at clubs: bikini dancing, bottle service and stripping. I make at least ₦50k weekly.

How much do you currently owe?

₦215k. I created a list with all the apps I owed and gradually paid them off according to who I first borrowed from to limit the multiple calls and reminders to pay. They even called my mum and sister multiple times to threaten them. But I was determined not to borrow from more apps to pay back my debts, so it helped me progress. I’m not putting myself under any pressure to pay anymore. When I have, I pay.

You mentioned you’re currently serving. The extra income must be welcome

It is. I started NYSC in February, and my PPA pays ₦30k/month. Then there’s the ₦33k NYSC stipend. However, I spend ₦30k monthly transporting to and from my PPA, where I work as a front desk officer. So, it’s only the ₦33k stipend I can say is mine. I also rented a ₦300k/year apartment in March, so saving for rent takes part of it.

Can you break down these expenses into a typical month?

Thankfully, I’m the youngest in my family, so there’s no black tax. I also don’t have a “flex” budget because I know I’ve been super irresponsible with money in the past, and I’m just trying to move past my mistakes.

My experiences have made me a lot wiser. For instance, I currently have ₦120k saved up for rent that’s due next year. My relationship with money isn’t healthy yet, but I’m on the right path.

How do you juggle a 9-5 with the many gigs you do?

There are days when I go to the lounge to dance straight from my PPA and then go from there back to work the next day. That’s after dancing in heels for hours. But I don’t have a choice. I have to dance so I can pay off my debts.

Apart from the long hours, stripping can also be very demeaning. It’s a mental struggle. I can be dancing on my own and someone would come and try to pull off my lingerie or touch me. Some days, I finish working and go back home to cry. Like, this isn’t what I’m supposed to be doing.

I make sure to always wear masks as a way to preserve the little dignity I have left. I overhear snide remarks from male customers all the time. Stuff like, “This one is only good for sex”. It’s crazy how people judge you for the same things they’re there for, but this is Nigeria.

Have you considered what the next few years of your life might look like?

I’m actively planning for my future. I hope to transition into tech after NYSC, and I’m taking courses in preparation. One is a virtual assistant course, and the other is about using AI to write. Both courses cost me ₦57k, but I see it as investing in my future.

How much do you think you’ll earn monthly from these skills?

₦500k/monthly would be a good starting point. The aim is to earn in dollars.

Rooting for you. Do you have financial regrets? Apart from the loans

I wish I’d reached out to family and friends when I first got into the loan cycle. My parents don’t support me anymore, but I could’ve reached out to my siblings and friends for help with my debt rather than going at it alone.

It would’ve been quite embarrassing, but at least, I wouldn’t have gotten into as much debt to resort to everything I’m doing now to get out of it.

How would you rate your financial happiness on a scale of 1 – 10?

5. It’d be higher when I start earning money in a manner I consider dignified.

If you’re interested in talking about your Naira Life story, this is a good place to start.

Yes, I want to do a Naira Life!

Find all the past Naira Life stories here.

Subscribe to the newsletter here.

[ad]
As a fresh corps member in Nigeria, you’ll spend three weeks at the NYSC orientation camp of the state you’ve been posted to. And these three weeks can be hell or heaven, depending on the state.

Since very little will prepare you for exactly what you’ll witness in camp, we decided to do the Lord’s work and give you a glimpse of ten orientation camps to start.

Kogi

Photo source: Cassie Davies

Location: Asaya, Kabba LGA

The Kogi state governor needs to swing into action and give this camp a major facelift. Just look at that abandoned public school classroom cosplaying as a camp clinic. God, abeg.

Enugu

Photo source: Instagram/@nyscenugu

Location: Awgu LGA

Why are they feeding human beings through the louvers? And that red soil. This camp will stain your white, so you better pack cash for laundry.

Kwara

Photo source: Instagram/@nysc_kwara

Location: Yikpata, Edu LGA

I’ve got two questions: What do the FG and NYSC have against tarring the camp grounds? Do they get commission from the laundry guys?

Ebonyi

Photo source: Ebonyinysccamp

Location: Macgregor College, Afikpo LGA

I don’t know if it’s the pictures or this camp is heavy on the Nollywood village grammar school vibes.

Anambra

Photo source: Instagram/@officialnyscanambra

Location: Umuawulu/Mbaukwu Awka South LGA

That first photo must’ve been carefully orchestrated for PR. Who asked for a view of the camp through a palm tree-lined path? I suppose nature lovers would have a swell time camping here… if they can manage all that red soil.

Ondo

Photo source: Instagram/@ondonysc_camp

Location: Ikare Akoko LGA

Is it my eyes or this camp is giving Obudu Cattle Ranch? They get five points for that volleyball court.

Oyo

Photo source: Instagram/@oyokopa

Location: Iseyin

Tarred roads, a volleyball court and a splash of greenery? Yes, please. But why do I feel like there’ll be a lot of long-distance trekking in this camp?

Ogun

Photo source: Instagram/@obsnyscogunstate

Location: Sagamu

I had no idea what to expect from Ogun state but surely not this nice auditorium and amphitheatre. They get B+ for effort.

Lagos

Photo source: Instagram/@nyscenugu

Location: Iyana-ipaja

Lagos camp still doesn’t have a main auditorium in almighty 2024. But if you can forgive this, they’ve got the nicest volleyball court and badass three-storey hostels. Love it.

Rivers

Photo source: X

Location: Nonwa Gbam Tai LGA

You should have all the bragging rights with no questions asked when your main auditorium looks like this.

Enjoyed reading about NYSC Orientation Camps in Nigeria? Read this next: “I Was Posted to a Funeral Home” — Ex-Corp Members Share Their Wildest NYSC Experiences
I’ll always preach the gospel that NYSC should begin and end with the three-week orientation camp. Why do I have to dedicate a year of my life to serving my fatherland? It’s giving forced labour, please.

Anyway, I decided to rank 16 experiences that are very familiar to anyone who has ever, or will potentially answer, annoying names like Otondo, Corper Wee Wee Wee and Corper Wa Wa Wa. TF?

Let’s get into it.

1. Receiving your call up letter

This is where you know if you serve a living God or if your village people have plans for you. If you get the state you want, good for you. If you don’t, you’ll start asking yourself questions like, ”Is this even necessary?”

Verdict: This is fun.

2. Packing for camp

You think you know what confusion is? Wait until you hear distorted information about the number of photocopies to make, white shorts and shirts to pack, and everything else that should follow you to camp. I made a total of 100 photocopies.

Verdict: Get me out of here.

3. Arriving at orientation camp

It might not look like it because you’ll probably be stressed AF, but it’s one of the sweetest NYSC experiences because it’s real as shit. It’s the real “Mama, I made it” moment followed by this next one.

Verdict: This is fun.

4. Getting your NYSC gear

If you’re still in doubt, receiving your NYSC kit will help you realise that true true, na you be the latest corper wee in town.

Verdict: This is fun.

5. When nothing fits you

This is where chaos starts. You’ll have to ask strangers if they’re willing to exchange with you. Whether you find someone or not, it’s lowkey one of the most annoying things to experience on the first day in camp.

Verdict: Get me out of here.

6. The struggle for bedspace

As someone who got the bed space closest to the room’s entrance and toilet, let me tell you that this seemingly simple activity of choosing where to sleep can define what your camp life will look like. NYSC should better make bed space and room selection part of the registration process.

Verdict: Get me out of here.

7. Bonding with your roomates

If you take a cherished moment/experience away from NYSC, it probably started from your assigned room. This is where you’ll likely make friends with random people you don’t know from Adam.

Verdict: This is fun.

8. The early morning drills

This one will make you swear from the bottom of your heart for the person who came up with the idea that birthed NYSC.

Verdict: Get me out of here.

9. Getting your first pay

The money might only buy a plate of food at mami but yes to chopping government money!

Verdict: This is fun.

10. Discovering mami market

If you’re like me who didn’t want anything to do with camp food, the mami market will be your small mecca during your time in camp.

Verdict: This is fun.

11. Your first allawee

Of course, you’re happy AF to receive your first monthly allawee even if it’ll only last a few days.

Verdict: This is fun.

12. PPA posting

Two things can happen here: Your connect comes true and you’re posted to your desired PPA or NYSC flings you to an abandoned organisation in the middle of nowhere. Either way, the anxiety of finding out both is not recommended.

Verdict: Get me out of here.

13. Weekly/monthly CDS

Please, NYSC should begin and end with the three weeks in orientation camp. Every other activity is not necessary.

Verdict: Get me out of here.

[ad]

14. Passing out parade

It’s like getting to the end of a badly written Nollywood script. Won’t you be happy when you see “The End”? Exactly. Let’s pack this shit up and never speak of it again.

Verdict: This is fun.

15. The big social media post

How else will the people know you’re fit to run for office if they don’t find pictures of you posing with your NYSC certificate? Documenting is an important process of it all, please dear.

Verdict: This is fun.

16. Jobless again

So your PPA didn’t retain you. You reach out to relatives who promised to help with a job and they say “Aired, DFKM”. On top of this, the government has stopped giving you their meagre ₦33k. Haq haq haq. Welcome to your quarter-life crisis era.

Verdict: Get me out of here.

Take the quiz: Only People Who Did NYSC Will Get 8/12 In This Quiz
Every NYSC member goes through two phases that can either mar or make the entire experience: the initial posting to a state in Nigeria, and the posting to a primary Place of Assignment (PPA) tailored to your area of expertise, or not.

We decided to ask some ex-corp members about their experience with both postings, and they had some funny to scary stories to share.

Abraham*, 32

I suspected something was wrong the day I got my PPA posting letter and couldn’t find useful information about the company on Google. I’d heard how PPAs were scarce in Lagos and people had to show up before another corper takes up the spot. I left the orientation camp in Ipaja for Ikeja and got there around 2 p.m. Everyone I asked gave different directions but nobody knew the exact building. One maiguard saw me and offered to take me to the place. When we finally located the building, it looked deserted. We knocked, and this heavily built man came out. He said they weren’t taking corpers, and I was super relieved. Some months later, the address dropped as one of the kidnap hotspots job seekers should avoid in Lagos.

Yemi*,40

Amuru Abam in Abia state was one scary experience. The roads were so terrible, you could barely escape falling off a bike. But that’s not what freaked me out. The locals were fetish on a different level.

There was a big tree in the community where many people would sit for shade. But when it got cloudy, people would run from it as if their lives depended on it. They said raindrops from the tree must not touch the human body. Apparently, the tree is a deity they worship annually. It gives whatever one requests but with consequences. I was skeptical, but I avoided the tree till I completed my service year.

Balikis*, 28

My first PPA posting was to a funeral home, and I still suffer PTSD from the place till this day. I decided not to work there when I saw the company name on my PPA letter, but I still had to show up and beg them to reject me. I went there about two days after with my friend, and the owners rejected me without a fight.

Temilade*, 28

I was dead set on serving in Lagos, which was why I was willing to starve and save up the ₦100k to pay my NYSC plug. The call-up letter came out and I saw Edo. How? I mean, I knew Lagos was hard and it was a gamble even after paying, but why not Ogun or Ibadan? I couldn’t believe my eyes, and I don’t remember crying that much in all of my adult years. I spent three weeks in the orientation camp and didn’t enjoy the experience because I was depressed the entire time. I finally got redeployed to Ibadan, and I made peace with that. Lagos to Edo? God, abeg o.

Ibrahim* 35

I’ve spent most of my life in Abuja, but I knew I wanted to explore other parts of Nigeria when it was time for NYSC. So I just trusted I’d get one of the states I filled without working it. I was posted to Osun state and had a great camping experience. However, when it was time for PPA posting, I got a school outside the capital. Everyone already mentioned how the best places to work were in Osogbo. I finally resumed and the sight of the school threw me off with the bushes everywhere and classes looking abandoned. It was giving strong kidnap zone. It didn’t help matters when the principal showed up and spoke Yoruba. The students looked like they’d beat me up if they felt like it. I came back the next day and begged the principal to reject me, but he refused. He said they could use the extra hand and they hadn’t gotten corpers in a while. It took several days of calls from my parents before this man agreed to reject me. It felt like I was released from prison.

George*, 25

My PPA was a small company in Ekiti, and I think I was jazzed because that’s the only explanation for the two months I spent there. I basically the errand boy. There were two other workers, but we hardly spoke. Everyone showed up in the morning and stayed in their corner. I did everything from making photocopies to buying food and cleaning the office, all on a ₦10k monthly allowance. The CEO didn’t allow any staff into her office apart from these red-garment church people who showed up whenever and stayed in her office for hours. I don’t know how my mum noticed something was off with me, but one day she called and said she wanted to speak with my boss. Two days after the call, I was laid off and started processing redeployment.
Are you a freshly minted graduate of a Nigerian university? Have you finally received the call-up letter to serve your fatherland? Are you experiencing mild-to-strong delulu while packing for camp because you think some items aren’t necessary?

If your answer is yes to all of the above, pay attention, or better still, grab a note and jot things down. We’ve compiled the ultimate list that’ll take your NYSC orientation camp experience from “God, abeg” to “Can we do this again?”

NYSC call-up letter

Image source: MySchoolGist

Make sure you carry along three to five copies of this — with the original. It’s the rite of passage at the orientation camp entrance.

School ID card

Don’t leave the house without your student identification card.

School documents

Make sure you come along with original and photocopied copies of your statement of result or degree certificate.

Clear file bag

Image source: Jumia

To keep your documents safe and secure.

Passport photograph

You’ll need a lot of these during the registration process in camp. Best to come with three to six copies.

Extra white shirts and shorts

Image source: X

White is the only acceptable colour in camp, and you only get two free shirts and shorts each. It’s best to go with extra pairs since you might not have time in between activities to do laundry.

Waist pouch

This is where you’ll keep important things like your phone, money, wallet, meal tickets, etc. It’s a 24/7 necessity as you’ll be outdoors most of the time, and it’s not advisable to leave any valuables in your room.

Sanitary pads/tampons

Image source: Brand Afric

Ladies, the mami market traders are out to get you with their outrageous prices, so you better come prepared.

Umbrella

Image source: UBuy Nigeria

See, the sun and NYSC have a mission to completely finish you. An umbrella is how you win this battle.

Toilet paper

The toilet is always a complete mess, even when it’s not dirty.

Toiletries

Make sure you come with your own bathing soap, sponge, body wash, shampoo, toothpaste, etc.

Plain white tennis shoes

Image source: X

This is your go-to footwear on the campground. Best to go with a rubber version that’s easier to maintain.

Handkerchiefs or face towels

To maintain your cool when the sun does a number on you.

Rubber slippers

For when your legs need to breathe.

Needle and thread

There’ll be many ripped trousers after the Man O’ War activity. Best to have this before the mami market tailor charges N2k for a small stitch.

Sunscreen

With all the outdoor activities, you want to make sure your skin is still skinning after three weeks.

Bucket

Image source: Nuesroom

Might sound unhinged, but you actually need your own bucket to fetch water in camp. You’ll get one from the traders at mami but at triple the price.

[ad]

Marker

Image source: Konga

It’ll be your best friend on camp. You’ll need it mark your territory on prized possessions like your NYSC kit, bucket and provisions.

Flashlight

Image source: Yaoota

Depending on your location, 24/7 power supply might be a thing or not. Best to keep a rechargeable flashlight close.

Mosquito net and repellent

Image source: PremiumTimes

The mosquitoes in camp don’t smile, so go prepared. You came to serve your fatherland, not carry malaria on top your head.

Padlocks and keys

Image source: Wikepedia

Listen, petty thieves will be after your provisions, toiletries and other supplies. While this doesn’t guarantee 100% safety, it’s a start.

Power bank

Image source: Jumia

Because how else will you capture the once-in-a-lifetime experience if you’re dealing with battery issues? Charging in Mami is an expense that’ll do a number on your already slim allowance.

Provisions

Image source: Nairaland

Camp food may or may not wage a war against your taste buds. Best to have provisions you can fall back on, especially if you have no plans to make the mami traders ten times richer.

First-aid kit

Every NYSC camp has a health centre, but you might want to come with your little kit of basics like painkillers, plasters and methylated spirit. Or do you trust the government like that?
Although ₦33k could do a lot more in 2022 than it can do now, the NYSC allowance still remains ₦33k. Considering different plans or situations, we advise these wise ways to spend your allawee in the year of balablu.

Blow it on food

Feed your stomach. Even if you perish, you won’t be the first. Or do you really need us to remind you that food is king?

Spend on your boo

You have no business singing songs like Ego Oyibo by Chike, Spending by Johnny Drille or Olamide’s Jinja if your babe doesn’t eat from your money. A lover that’ll blow salary on their babe, it’s from their allawee will find out. This isn’t an option for the singles, but your crushes aren’t exempt.

Keep some for detty December

No matter how stifling the agbado plantation gets, there will always be a way and time for some end-of-the-year enjoyment. There’s life, why won’t you chop it?

Do community project

You don’t have to wait until God touches your heart before you decide to build a school or dig a borehole for the place hosting you. See it as a way of immortalising yourself.

Get your travelling visa

You’re already tired of Naija and you’re only doing NYSC so daddy and mummy can let you rest. Our advice? Save the money Nigeria’s giving you to get out of Nigeria.

Save till service ends

God that created children has provided what children will eat and drink. ₦396,000 (minus the ₦2k state government pays) isn’t small cash to sponsor your wishlist. Just keep your account fixed till the end of your service year. Travel, club, invest, dash, donate.. do whatever you like, my G.
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023. The program was set up by the Nigerian government during the military regime in 1973, to involve Nigerian graduates in nation-building. The government dreamt of a Nigeria that was united and peaceful.

Source: Zikoko memes

While it may have been a bright idea in 1973, the security situation in Nigeria these days makes it difficult to defend its relevance. The major problem I have with the scheme is that it forces young people to travel long distances, mostly by road, to states across the country. In a country where kidnappers abound, it’s not a risk most are happy take.

Source: Zikoko memes

When it was my turn to serve Nigeria in 2019, I knew I had to ensure I was posted to Lagos. Or at worst, somewhere in the southwest region. I couldn’t risk getting posted to any state that involved travelling through the roads that were notorious for kidnappers. I knew there was no way my parents were going to pay a huge ransom for me. I can imagine a kidnapper calling my dad to send 15 million naira if he ever wants to see his son alive again.

His reply:

Source: Zikoko memes

I wanted to stay in Lagos and I’d do anything to make that happen. So I had to take matters into my own hands. I asked a few friends if they knew someone who could help “run this thing”. Someone introduced me to a guy named John Bosco*, and I begged this dude to help out.

Source: Zikoko memes

He gave me an address to meet up with him. It turned out to be a cyber cafe, which I assumed he owned. He seemed like a fairly normal guy in his late 20s who spoke with a slight stutter and wore a gold necklace with a giant cross pendant. He boasted that he’d been helping corpers with NYSC posting and relocation for several years and had never failed, then proceeded to charge me ₦50k for his service. I reluctantly parted with the money and kept my faith in a guy I’d only spoken to once.
When I was eventually posted. I found out it was to Taraba state. Taraba? How? I cast my mind back to how Bosco had promised the posting was foolproof.

Source: Zikoko memes

I tried to reach out to him to, at least, get a refund. This man had blocked me everywhere. I counted my losses and decided to make the best out of my sorry situation.

Source: Zikoko memes

After a journey that lasted almost two days, I arrived at the NYSC camp in Jalingo, Taraba’s capital and lined up to start my registration. As I glanced at people’s faces, one stood out. The dude looked familiar. He was tall, dark and John Bosco. The person who was supposed to be my sure plug for a Lagos posting was a corper who’d also been posted to Taraba.

Source: Zikoko memes

What could I do? The damage was done. What’s the moral of the story? Nigeria is a crazy place.

Life before…

Preparing for NYSC

Get More Zikoko Goodness in Your Mail

Being friendly in camp was helpful

Platoon leadership was a stepping stone

The meeting

Reporting for duty

The clerk’s office

The lifestyle

Getting retained after service… Or not

How to get retained

In summary…

Life Before NYSC

Preparing for NYSC

Get More Zikoko Goodness in Your Mail

Pitching to Potential PPA’s

How I Wrote My Cold Pitch Email + Free Template

Negotiating salary and getting a request letter before going to the NYSC camp

Serving in My Primary Place of Assignment

When did you first realise the importance of money?

Do you know why all the financial burden was on your mum?

How so?

How do you accidentally start a food business?

Phew. What did you do next?

Get More Zikoko Goodness in Your Mail

How did you survive without the jobs?

Does the school pay you a salary?

Speaking of, what do your typical monthly expenses look like?

What kind of quality of life would you say ₦43k gives you?

What’s that?

Do you have plans for post-NYSC?

Is there an ideal amount you’d like to earn?

Is there anything you want right now but can’t afford?

How would you rate your financial happiness on a scale of 1-10?

What’s your earliest memory of money?

How good?

How so?

What did this mean to you?

Did your mum pay you?

What kind of profit did you make?

How did you start writing?

Did you continue the writing gigs in uni?

How does modelling for an agency work?

Did you try to get gigs on your own?

But how were you surviving?

Why?

Did you get paid for this internship?

I’m listening

Did that help?

Bikini girls?

Damn

What happened?

Yikes. What was the plan to settle that?

How much do you currently owe?

You mentioned you’re currently serving. The extra income must be welcome

Can you break down these expenses into a typical month?

How do you juggle a 9-5 with the many gigs you do?

Have you considered what the next few years of your life might look like?

How much do you think you’ll earn monthly from these skills?

Rooting for you. Do you have financial regrets? Apart from the loans

How would you rate your financial happiness on a scale of 1 – 10?

Kogi

Enugu

Kwara

Ebonyi

Anambra

Ondo

Oyo

Ogun

Lagos

Rivers

1. Receiving your call up letter

2. Packing for camp

3. Arriving at orientation camp

4. Getting your NYSC gear

5. When nothing fits you

6. The struggle for bedspace

7. Bonding with your roomates

8. The early morning drills

9. Getting your first pay