Obviously, most opinion polls would recommend Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Delta or Rivers as the best states for NYSC. Therefore, it is normal for most intending Youth Corps members to jump on the bandwagon. But, before you join them this 2019, relax, get a quiet place and answer these few questions:
Factors To Consider Before Choosing Your Desired NYSC State
- What course did I study in school, and which state hosts companies or facilities that require my services?
While choosing your NYSC state, watch out for states with companies that demand your services. Most likely, you stand a better chance of serving within your area of specialization, probably with the promise of a job after NYSC. For example, graduates of business, agriculture and petroleum engineering stand better chances at Lagos, Kebbi and Rivers States respectively. Imagine someone who studied fishery and aquaculture going to serve in Yobe. Huh, funny, isn’t it?
- What are my hobbies?
It is a well known fact that there are very limited jobs. Therefore, I would encourage us to look beyond NYSC. In fact, some of the most successful people in the world made it from mastering their hobbies. Think of Ronaldo, Messi, Kobe Bryant, Usain Bolt, Tiger Woods, Dangote and so on. They are globally renowned names, but none of them had to get a degree in their fields. They probably started out as hobbies, until they turned careers. So, look out for where you can maximise your talents.
- Aside NYSC, what business opportunities exist.
Finally, 19,800 naira actually sounds big, until you find yourself swimming in a river of bills, in a foreign land. Note, there are many kinds of businesses to engage in, ranging from trading in goods to provision of service. First, look at the various needs in the various states. Consequently, pick out one where your skills could bridge the lacuna. Check out also goods needed in your place, and where you could get them to supply, for a profit. It works better where you live there, as in the case of NYSC.
Having answered those personal questions, you have successfully completed one part of the task. Now, take a look at the indices that shaped our “top ten” shortlist in order of importance.
Indices For Deciding The Best States For NYSC
- Security
- Availability of employers/jobs
- State allowance (allawee)
- Cost of living
- Availability of basic amenities (light, water, good roads etc)
NYSC Best States 2019/2020
10. Niger State
This is a keenly contested position. However, Niger’s proximity to the nation’s capital, Abuja played a major role in fighting off competition from some other states like Sokoto, Nasarawa, Kebbi and Ebonyi. In terms of statistics, it performed best in the areas of cost of living, availability of employers (Abuja) and state allawee. Noteworthy is the fact that you can live in Niger, and work in Abuja. In summary, NYSC Niger is getting it right.
9. OYO STATE
Oyo is home to University of Ibadan, one of Africa’s best Universities. Interestingly, Ibadan is one of the cheapest “big” cities in Nigeria. It’s nearness to Lagos and security are it’s strong points which helped put it on the list of Top 10 Best States To Serve.
8. ENUGU STATE.
First of all, Enugu has one of the most consistent NYSC pay packages for Youth Corps members. Furthermore, the state is very secure, and has a reasonable cost of living. However, jobs availability may pose a little challenge, as there are not many companies. Do not be scared though, as government establishments readily absorb a good number of Corps members too serve as their Place of Primary Assignment (P.P.A).
7. KADUNA STATE.
Outside Abuja and Lagos, Kaduna arguably is home to the highest number of Federal Government establishments. It is also home to a number of private companies including Peugeot, noodles/pasta companies and so on. Particularly, the state scores very high in the last index, as it is one of the few states that can boast of over twelve hours of light daily, pipe borne water and good roads. The cost of living here is moderate when compared with other states. However, it’s history of crises and the very pronounced cold inter ethnic and religious relations among it’s various parts, raises the tension, security wise.
6. RIVERS STATE.
Recently, NYSC Rivers state has struggled to keep it’s bragging rights as one of the most preferred choices of Corp members. The state suffered some setbacks after a series of politically inspired crises and militancy questioned its security. In spite of that, it is the joint highest paying state in Nigeria, doling out between 10,000 and 15,000 Naira to corps members. With lots of companies, especially oil companies, it is not a bad place to serve after all.
5. KANO STATE
Personally, I always advise people with business or political dreams to spend some time in the home of Kwankwasiyya. With (arguably) the highest concentration of elites in Nigeria, Kano is a place you can easily walk past a big politician or industrialist at any time. The cost of living here is unbelievably low. The security scare is nothing compared to the opportunities. Don’t forget Dangote, Abdulsamad(BUA) and a host of others call kano home. Our Head is sited in kano, so if you are posted there reach out to us we will personally help in anyway I can if you need any further information. Just drop a comment below.
4. AKWA IBOM STATE.
The Land of Promise may not be the cheapest state to survive or have a lot of companies. However, it is simply in a class of its own where all the indices listed above are considered. The state pays good attention to the welfare of Corps members. The rest is a story. Akwa Ibom is one of the most secure states in Nigeria, officially pays allawee and ministries hardly reject corpers. Traditionally, the state governor dines with the corps members before leaving camp.
3. F.C.T ABUJA.
A popular adage says “you can’t dine with the king and get back the same…” The seat of power is home to most of the VVIPs in Nigeria. Here you are assured of security, amenities, and exposure.
2. Ogun STATE.
Yes, Ogun may not pay as much as Lagos, Rivers or Akwa Ibom officially. But if you carefully follow activities in Nigeria’s industrial sector, you would notice almost every new and growing company is relocating to Ogun. With its very low cost of living, amenities, unmatched security, jobs etc, Ogun is far ahead.
1. Lagos State.
I know most people rightly predicted Lagos to maintain the pole position. Some of the reasons include its joint-highest allawee, its cosmopolitan nature and probably the wonderful economic environment. However, the few, but important factors that pushed it into second place include high cost of living, safety(touting and crime rate), low standard of living caused by poor living conditions, traffic and general dissatisfaction.
Thank you for reading. Please share your comments and contributions. We are always available to answer your queries. We have a team in each of these states in case you require some help. Follow us on Instagram.