By Deborah Christopher
Corps members in Ekiti State who passed out from the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, have expressed optimism of utilising the skills they acquired during their service year.
The 2022 Batch A Stream 1 Ex-corps members made this known shortly after receiving their Discharge Certificates at the NYSC Secretariat in Ado-Ekiti, on Thursday.
Speaking with our correspondent, Goodness Joseph said: “I am into software development, software engineering precisely. So, to now begin to build my project and begin to enter into it fully. So, that is the next plan for me.
“I didn’t take any of the SAED programmes. The SAED I joined then was ICT, and then because I was familiar most of the things there, so…and for me the best thing was personal development. Developing myself and building my skills personally with the materials I have available. Some of which I have been able to complete- maybe taking a few classes, have some few certifications, even though it might not be as much.”
Another respondent, Peculiar Ukpong said she wants to build up herself with the skills she acquired during the orientation classes such as photography and videography.
She added that her plans is to start up her own business depending on the location she find herself by applying for jobs that will be able to give her time to do her skills programmes while hoping for the best.
Chisom Okoye shared a contrary view saying: “Normally, service here is supposed to be a year of deep introspection. Like, for me, it was suppose to be a year that I actually calm down and think what I want for my life and how I want to go about it.
“There is this fear that comes with after service year, people are wondering that what should I do next and all. But, for me, I won’t say I have it all figured out. I am taking it a day at a time.
“At least I have a focus. So, at the moment, I am into content. I write content, I write copies. So, I want to push it forward. I want to do more content strategy for big brands. I want to do more brand management for them. And I also want to create my own brand. Make a brand name for myself,and stuff around that.
“So, I will just say I already started this. I will just say I will take more courses and continue working and maybe freelance more with the normal stable work that you have. And from there I believe that it will get clearer and I will be fine.
“Honestly speaking, NYSC is a good scheme but not without it flaws, nonetheless you can actually use it for your advantage. For corps members that are still in the scheme, I would advise that you make the best of the moment that you have now. I would advice that you give your best in your respective PPA no matter how little it is.” She concluded.
