Every year, thousands of young graduates wear the khaki with so much excitement and expectations. But by the end of the service year, many look back with regret, wishing they had used the opportunity differently.
Why? Because they fell into avoidable mistakes. If you’re currently serving or preparing to serve, here are 9 mistakes you must avoid at all costs:
1. Living for allawee alone: Depending only on ₦77,000 without developing a skill or finding extra income sources. Allawee was never meant to sustain you long-term; it’s just a seed.
2. Wasting camp opportunities: Camp is not just for dancing and social nights. It’s a goldmine for networking, competitions, and exposure. Many people met lifelong friends, business partners, and even life partners in camp. Don’t miss your chance.
3. Not saving at all: Spending everything as it comes, with nothing left to show at the end of service. Even if you can’t save all, discipline yourself to save a portion consistently.
4. Complaining about posting: Grumbling over “bad” or “rural” postings instead of seeing them as places of hidden opportunities. Some of the greatest legacies by corps members came from “unwanted” places.
5. Ignoring PCDS (Personal Community Development Service): Seeing it as stress instead of a chance to impact lives, leave a legacy, and even win awards. Your PCDS project can open doors you never imagined.
6. Poor time management: Wasting hours on idle talk, endless scrolling, or complaining. Your time is your greatest currency during service. Use it to build discipline, skills, and consistency.
7. Refusing to volunteer: Some corps members say “it doesn’t pay.” Yet, volunteering gives you real experience, builds leadership, and creates networks that later become job and scholarship opportunities.
8. Failing to document their journey: No photos, no reports, no portfolio. Employers, grant bodies, and scholarship programs don’t know what you did because you can’t show it. Document your service year like a brand.
9. Not planning for life after service: Entering NYSC with no vision and leaving the same way. Without skills, savings, or a clear path, many end up frustrated after POP. Don’t let that be your story.
Your NYSC year is more than khaki, CDS, and allawee; it’s a training ground for destiny. The habits, decisions, and sacrifices you make within those 12 months can shape the rest of your life.
That’s why I wrote my book “Called to Serve”. It is a practical roadmap to help corps members maximize their service year, avoid regrets, and build a lasting legacy.
© 𝗘𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗲𝗹 𝗢𝗹𝗮𝗷𝗶𝗱𝗲
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.
