I woke up to the sound of my mobile phone shrilling. You know that moment when you are in deep, sweet sleep and the phone just starts ringing. It was my best friend calling to lament that she had been posted to Benue state for her NYSC (National Youth Service Corps) Program. Benue State? A place that had no internet enthusiasts, no online shopping, no Shoprite! It is a 21st-century nightmare.

She is off to camp this week in a flying fit of white shirts and white rubber shoes and I just thought to write about all the advice I gave to her that you would not ordinarily see in a typical “NYSC CAMP LIST”.

Find New Friends
It is always easier to get through a hurdle when you have familiar faces with you. Find former course mates, colleagues, friends, and neighbors that are heading to your camp. You can plan a trip and itinerary with them to either save cost or feel more comfortable. Trust me, there are fewer things more terrifying than being thrown into NYSC camp full of thousands of people from all parts of Nigeria and ‘the abroad’ without the welcome sight of a familiar face.
https://theladysroom.ng/surviving-nysc/