The NYSC service year can be more than just a compulsory national assignment.
For the 1,650 corps members deployed to Anambra State for the 2026 Batch B Stream II service year, the period could become an opportunity to build skills, meet people from different backgrounds and discover new possibilities.
Speaking at their swearing-in ceremony at the Nnamdi Azikiwe NYSC Unity Permanent Orientation Camp, Umuawulu/Mbaukwu, Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State, Governor Chukwuma Soludo urged the corps members to make the most of their service year.
Here are five things young graduates can take from his message:
1. Use NYSC to build national unity
Governor Soludo, represented by his deputy, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, said the scheme gives young Nigerians an opportunity to live and serve outside their home states.
Meeting people from different cultures and backgrounds can help corps members develop a deeper understanding of Nigeria and strengthen national unity.
2. Don’t lose hope in Nigeria
The governor urged the corps members not to give up on the country despite its challenges.
He said young Nigerians have an important role to play in building a better Nigeria through their skills, ideas, discipline and commitment to public service.
“We don’t have any other country than Nigeria. I urge the corps members not to lose hope in Nigeria despite the challenges facing the country,” he said.
3. Look beyond the three-week orientation camp
The orientation programme may last only three weeks, but the opportunities available during the service year can extend much further.
Soludo encouraged the corps members to explore opportunities in Anambra, including the state’s 1Youth 2 Skills programme, Solution Innovation District and other skills acquisition initiatives.
He noted that some former corps members who served in the state chose to remain there after discovering opportunities for themselves.
4. Take skills acquisition seriously
The NYSC State Coordinator, Pauline Ojisua, and the Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Patrick Agha-Mba, both encouraged the corps members to participate actively in the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme.
With the changing nature of the economy, practical skills and entrepreneurship can give young graduates additional options beyond traditional employment.
5. Leave an impact in your host community
Agha-Mba also urged the corps members to take their Community Development Service (CDS) seriously.
Rather than seeing NYSC simply as something to complete, corps members were encouraged to use their knowledge, talents and skills to address real needs in the communities where they are posted.
The commissioner described the service year as an opportunity to serve, learn, build relationships and leave something worthwhile behind.
More than a compulsory year
The message from Anambra is one young graduates can take beyond the orientation camp.
NYSC can provide a chance to develop practical skills, build relationships, discover new opportunities and contribute to communities outside one’s immediate environment.
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