Thousands of Nigerian graduates ended their mandatory year of national service Thursday as the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Batch C Stream II formally signed out in ceremonies across the country. The passing‑out, held simultaneously in local government areas, was deliberately modest. Corps members collected their Certificates of National Service, a rite of passage that symbolizes completion of the program created in 1973 to foster national unity.
While families celebrated, many graduates voiced unease about what comes next. “It feels good to finish, but the real question is: what next?” said Grace Ekanem, who served in Akwa Ibom. Others raised concerns about finances. “How much have we really saved during service?” asked Amina Yusuf, who served in Abuja. “Most of us lived from allowance to allowance. Now we face rent, bills, and job hunting. The government must do more than hand us certificates, we need real opportunities.” Some admitted their savings were minimal. “I tried to put aside ₦10,000 monthly, but emergencies kept coming up,” said Chidera Okonkwo in Enugu. “Now I’m worried about navigating life after NYSC without a steady income.”
Analysts say the ceremony underscores Nigeria’s unemployment crisis. Each year, NYSC releases tens of thousands of graduates into a labor market that struggles to absorb them. “Every batch is a fresh wave of talent, but without jobs, frustration grows,” noted policy analyst Chinedu Okafor. The NYSC management attempted to bridge the gap with Job Advisory and Counselling sessions, linking corps members to employment agencies. Yet critics argue such measures remain symbolic without broader government action.
The December sign‑out coincides with Christmas, amplifying the celebratory mood. Families often combine weddings, reunions and NYSC ceremonies, reinforcing togetherness. “It’s the perfect time, we celebrate service; family and Christmas all at once,” said a parent in Uyo. But beneath the festive atmosphere lies a bigger debate over the relevance of NYSC in today’s Nigeria. While the program continues to promote unity, its impact is undermined by the lack of post‑service opportunities. Should government expand employment schemes directly tied to NYSC? Can private sector partnerships absorb graduates more effectively? How can ex‑corps members plan financially when allowances barely cover basic needs? Is entrepreneurship or migration the only viable path for many graduates?
For Batch C Stream II, the certificates mark the end of service but also the beginning of uncertainty. The passing‑out is a moment of pride, yet it exposes Nigeria’s urgent need to create employment avenues and financial planning support for ex‑corps members. Without jobs, the promise of service risks becoming a cycle of celebration followed by anxiety.
