Serving as a corps member in Nigeria is one of those unique life experiences that can shape your views forever. And let’s be honest: where you’re posted to can make or mar your service year. This list is based on my own experience in NYSC and the honest experiences of other corps members I’ve spoken with. They talked about factors like how peaceful the state is, whether they pay state allawee, how affordable life is, and how corps members are generally treated.
Here are ten Nigerian states that are most welcoming to corps members:
1. Cross River State
Cross River is a gem! This is where I served. If you’re posted to Calabar or Ikom, you’ll likely enjoy your stay. The people are peaceful, the environment is calm, and the cost of living isn’t outrageous. In past years, the Cross River State government paid a monthly stipend of ₦5,000 to corps members, especially during Governor Ben Ayade’s administration. Even though payments weren’t always consistent, the intention to support NYSC members was clear. Corps members are treated with respect, and many public schools provide free accommodation. Plus, the food? Amazing and cheap.
2. Akwa Ibom State
Akwa Ibom is another top pick. It’s peaceful, with Uyo often ranked among Nigeria’s safest cities. The state government is one of the few that has maintained a record of paying monthly stipends to corps members, between ₦5,000 and ₦10,000 depending on the posting. Aside from that, many LGAs, especially in rural communities, treat corps members well and sometimes offer housing or extra allowances. The cost of living is fair, and food is both delicious and affordable.
3. Oyo State
Oyo, especially Ibadan, has this mix of urban and traditional vibe. It’s not just the “amala and gbegiri” that’ll win you over, life in Oyo is affordable, and transportation within the city is straightforward. While not all corps members get state allowance, some LGAs do pay, and many schools provide accommodation. Oyo people are generally accommodating and respectful towards corps members.
4. Benue State
Benue might not be the first name on people’s lists, but it has quietly built a reputation for being corps-friendly. Despite occasional insecurity in border towns, places like Makurdi and Gboko are peaceful and safe for corps members. The cost of living is very low, and food is cheap and fresh, especially yams and fruits. Though the state has struggled with finances in recent years, some corps members have received irregular stipends and support from local authorities and school principals.
5. Kwara State
Kwara has remained one of Nigeria’s most peaceful states. Ilorin, the capital, is calm and conservative, making it ideal for a stress-free service year. Though the state does not pay a consistent monthly stipend, many corps members report getting support from their places of primary assignment. Accommodation is easy to find, and feeding is affordable, especially if you enjoy local dishes like tuwo and ewedu.
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6. Lagos State
Lagos State, though expensive and crowded, deserves its place on this list because of the opportunities it offers. In past years, the state government paid corps members ₦10,000 monthly, especially during Governor Ambode’s tenure, though this is no longer consistent. What Lagos lacks in calm, it makes up for in networking and side hustles. Many corps members in Lagos pick up extra-paying jobs or get retained in their places of primary assignment. If you can handle the traffic and high rent, Lagos is worth it.
7. Kogi State
Kogi State is a surprisingly decent place to serve. Lokoja, the capital, and other towns like Kabba are relatively calm. While the state doesn’t consistently pay stipends, some schools and LGAs provide housing or transport allowance. The cost of living is reasonable, and the locals are generally friendly and respectful toward corps members, especially those posted to rural communities.
8. Ogun State
Ogun State benefits from being close to Lagos without the same level of hustle and high cost. Towns like Abeokuta, Ijebu-Ode, and Sagamu are peaceful and clean. The state government hasn’t consistently paid stipends in recent years, but many corps members get accommodation support from schools and churches. The cost of living is moderate, cheaper than Lagos, with more serenity.
9. Ondo State
Ondo State, my home state, doesn’t always make headlines for NYSC, but those who have served there often speak positively. Cities like Akure and Ondo town are calm, with friendly people and a strong sense of hospitality. If you are lucky to be posted to some rural communities like Ore, Irele, or Okitipupa where I come from, you will relate more to this warm treatment. While regular state stipends may not be guaranteed, some LGAs provide support, and accommodation is easier to find in schools. The cost of living is moderate, and life moves at a comfortable pace.
10. Osun State
Osun State completes the list with its calm environment and affordable lifestyle. Osogbo and towns like Ilesa are peaceful, and the roads are motorable. Corps members may not receive regular stipends from the state, but many rural LGAs offer support in the form of accommodation, food, or appreciation tokens. Life here is slow-paced, cheap, and simple, a good place if you want to reflect, teach, and enjoy local culture.
Have you served in one of these states, or somewhere else that deserves to be on this list? Let’s talk in the comments.
