Ex-Corp Member Shares Her NYSC Resilience Story, Gives Survival Tips

By; Obanla Ridwan Olawale

A Former Member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Olanrewaju Shifau Ololade, had recently shared a detailed account of her NYSC experience, offering practical survival tips and reflecting on the highs and lows of her service year.

Reflecting on her time at camp, Olanrewaju, from the 2024 Batch A stream II, who was posted to Ogun State, camped at NYSC orientation camp, Sagamu, claimed that it is one of the best camp in the country from the environment, infrastructure to operation, which according to her, is a“5 Star Orientation Camp.”

One of the unexpected highlights of her service year, according to her was joining the ‘Hausa dancing crew’. “Most of the Hausa guys in my platoon mistake me for a different tribe because of my look and that was how I got involved,” she says.

In her statement, at first, she was not sure if she should join the dancing crew because it meant missing parade practice, but later found a way to balance both. “I regretted not signing up for Miss Petite, though. Almost everyone in my platoon was asking why I didn’t, and they started calling me ‘Miss Petite’ ever since,” she laughs.

She recalls the moment she received her Place of Primary Assignment (PPA) letter. “The fun in camp makes you think everything is alright until you get your PPA letter,” she says.

“Initially, i was excited to be posted to Abeokuta South, with the believe that it is a town, but soon realized it felt more like a village than a town, laughing at her initial reaction. She admitted that her PPA was not exactly what she had hoped for but emphasizes that despite it all, she made the most of her time. “I was posted to a primary school, where I teach about twenty subjects as a class teacher, with almost no electricity at the single room accommodation offered by the management of the school”

She lamented that the absence of electricity in the area was a major challenge for her as it limited her in having a comfortable stay throughout the 11 month stay in the school. “Although, many parent often tip me in respect to the changes in the lives of their children, particularly in line of academics, which was one of the motivations that keeps me going”

“I kept myself busy by engaging in many activities such that I served as Financial Secretary twice in my Community Development Service (CDS) group where I gained recognition for my strict yet friendly approach. And I also held the role of News Editor in my Media team, where i had the opportunity to attend important events such as the Passing Out Parade (POP) and other NYSC-related events”.

Additionally, Olanrewaju was part of the EMC team, a group focused on engaging all members of CDS with social games and motivational posts.

Recounting her places of tourism, the ex-corp member highlighted that she had the privilege to visit; the Federal College of Education (Osiele) OOPL, June 12 cultural center and Olumo rock and places she gets to know includes; Abiola way; Oke lantoro; Oke yidi; Oke Aregba; Adatan; Oke ilewo; Pansheke; Kuto; NNPC; Adigbe; Ibara; Amazing grace event center; Asero; Academy Suite; Leme; Idi Aba; Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta; Iyana Cele and; Ake palace

When a fellow corp member reached out, asking for advice on surviving the NYSC journey, Olanrewaju jokingly responded, “Motigbo,” emphasizing that everyone experience will be different. However, she gives some self-survival tips which includes the following;

In camp, make sure you have enough money, while the camp food, especially the jollof rice, was decent at Ogun State’s 5 Star Orientation Camp, having extra cash for personal expenses is crucial. “You’ll need it for those moments when things get tough,” she advises.

She also recommends joining teams like Orientation Broadcasting Station (OBS), or Red Cross, especially if you are not a fan of the military drills. “Joining a team helps you stay busy and out of the tiring military training,” she explains.

Olanrewaju advised intending corp members to Grab the opportunity and utilize it for good, because the service year is not just for fun, it’s also for gaining experience, engage in as many activities as possible, and do not let your PPA drain you, especially mentally and emotionally.

Meanwhile, despite the challenges, she feels that her service year was one of growth and valuable learning.

“I earned five certificates, including my NYSC and Jobberman certificates,” Olanrewaju shares proudly. “I had fun, made lasting memories, and learned a lot along the way. It was a year I won’t forget.”

“Make this service year your best, forget about all the negative comments people made, and focus on getting the most out of the experience.”