My NYSC Story: I fell in love with a soldier

As the programme approaches its 50th anniversary on May 22, 2023, we’re speaking to Nigerians about their unique experiences.

Okeowo Ayomide camped in Enugu where he fell in love with a soldier. He redeployed to Lagos State in 2022 and learned a very valuable lesson. 

I viewed NYSC as a life-changing scheme, and I was excited about the opportunity.

It was amazing! I enjoyed trying different types of food and immersing myself in the camp culture for three weeks.

The best part for me was falling in love with a soldier named Sergeant Senikat. It was a unique experience, as not everyone gets the chance to interact with soldiers, let alone develop feelings for them. 

I admired her ruggedness, but I never confessed my feelings.

The water quality was poor, and the condition of the toilets was inadequate, which was quite challenging.

I worked as an office assistant, and my experience was fantastic. I gained valuable skills and had a fulfilling time.

I learned the importance of humility and treating everyone with respect. NYSC taught me not to look down on others and helped me form genuine friendships.

Absolutely! Everyone should experience the greatness of NYSC. It provided me with exposure to new places and allowed me to make meaningful connections.

No, I don't believe NYSC should be scrapped. It's a wonderful programme that allows young Nigerians to explore different states and gain valuable experiences.