The long-awaited increase in the NYSC allowance has finally taken effect, with corps members now receiving N77,000 as promised by the Federal Government.
While this has sparked some excitement and a sense of financial relief among many, the reality is that in today’s economy, this amount does not go as far as one might expect. Inflation has weakened the purchasing power of the naira, and the rising cost of living means corps members must be strategic about how they manage their finances.
Without careful planning, the excitement of this pay raise could quickly turn into financial struggles, especially after the service year ends. If you’re currently serving or about to start, here are some hard truths you need to consider.
1. N77,000 is not as much as it seems—Use it wisely
At first glance, N77,000 may seem like a significant sum, especially compared to the previous allowance. However, inflation has already swallowed much of its value. Prices of food, rent, transportation, and basic necessities continue to skyrocket. In many cities, house rent alone can take more than half of this amount, leaving little for other expenses.
ALSO READ: Ex-corps members tell us how to navigate post-NYSC life
This is not the time to start living lavishly—no unnecessary shopping sprees, extravagant outings, or falling into the “big boy” or “big girl” lifestyle trap. If you inflate your lifestyle now, you’ll regret it once NYSC ends and you have no steady source of income. The real question is: what happens after your service year?
- Will you start a small business?
- Apply for scholarships or further studies?
- Move back home to job-hunt while figuring things out?
Now is the best time to make that decision, not when you’re broke after service.
2. Your PPA might stop paying you
Some corps members have enjoyed additional stipends from their Place of Primary Assignment (PPA), especially those working in private schools, NGOs, or small organizations. However, with the federal government increasing the allowance, many of these employers may decide to cut off or reduce extra stipends because they feel corps members are already earning enough.
ALSO READ: 5 things Nigerian parents expect you to start doing after you graduate
In fact, in some workplaces, corps members might now be earning more than some junior staff. This could make organizations reluctant to pay you anything extra. The increase in government allowance does not guarantee a higher overall income for you—it could just mean your PPA will stop their contributions.
Bottom line: Don’t assume your financial situation is stable. Plan with only the N77,000 in mind, not with any extras from your PPA.
3. State governments may stop paying corps members
Some state governments provide additional stipends to corps members posted within their state, but not all states do this consistently. Now that the federal allowance has increased, some state governments may scrap their payments entirely, arguing that the new allowance is enough.
ALSO READ: Corps members and NYSC bye-laws
The painful truth is that N77,000 is still not enough to sustain a comfortable life in most cities, especially in states where corps members already struggle to survive on their meager stipends. You need to prepare for this reality.
4. Rushing into NYSC because of the money? Think Twice
Since the announcement of the new allowance, some graduates are now eager to rush into NYSC, thinking this is a financial breakthrough. But is it really?
Before you hurriedly seek mobilization, take a moment to ask yourself:
- What’s your long-term plan? Is it better to rush into service now or spend time acquiring more qualifications and skills?
- Is your NYSC posting beneficial to your career? Not all postings will give you relevant experience. Some will just waste your time.
- What happens after NYSC? If you enter NYSC without a clear post-service plan, you will likely come out jobless, skill-less, and stranded.
NYSC is just a one-year phase. The real battle begins afterward. Don’t enter service blindly just because of the N77,000.
ALSO READ: 8 funny yet pleasant experiences that make NYSC worth it
5. Invest in yourself—Your future self will thank you
If you’re just starting service, this is the perfect time to invest in skills that will make you valuable after NYSC.
- Buy a good laptop and use it for learning skills like video editing, graphic design, UI/UX design, content writing, or programming.
- Take online courses in areas that align with your career—marketing, coding, business management, data analytics, etc.
- Start saving. Even if it’s just a small amount every month, having financial discipline now will help you later.
ALSO READ: Apart from Nigeria, 10 other countries also have National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)
Some corps members waste their entire service year chasing fun, partying, or just surviving from month to month. But smart corps members see NYSC as a stepping stone and prepare for life after it.
