Making it in Nigeria is a journey many young people know all too well. From the excitement of finishing university to the daunting National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year, and finally chasing the dream of “Na Money” – financial independence – the path is often rocky, confusing, and expensive.
First, let’s talk about the NYSC. For many fresh graduates, this one-year mandatory service feels like a waiting room between education and employment. It’s supposed to be a time for youth to serve the country, gain experience, and build networks. But the reality is different for many.
During NYSC, graduates must cover their own living expenses, transportation, accommodation, and even registration fees. The allowance provided, known as the “corper’s allowance,” is barely enough to cover basic needs, let alone emergencies. For many, this means relying on family support or side hustles just to survive. Sadly, some find themselves stuck in places where jobs are scarce and opportunities limited, making the dream of a secure future feel distant.
But the challenges don’t end after NYSC. The real test begins when graduates step into Nigeria’s tough job market. With unemployment rates stubbornly high—estimated by the National Bureau of Statistics at over 33% in recent years—the hunt for “Na Money” becomes a grind. Many qualified youths face months, sometimes years, of job searching or underemployment.
Even those lucky enough to land jobs often find the pay inadequate to cover the rising cost of living. Inflation has pushed up prices of food, transport, and housing, meaning take-home pay doesn’t stretch far. The pressure to succeed financially is immense, especially with family expectations and social obligations.
For many, this leads to creative hustles and multiple side gigs—selling online, freelancing, or starting small businesses—to make ends meet. Yet, the road to wealth is long, and for most Nigerians, “making it” means balancing dreams with harsh realities.
The cost is not just financial but emotional too. The stress of uncertainty, societal pressure, and the struggle to build a career can take a toll on mental health. Too often, this side of the story is overlooked.
So, what’s the takeaway? Nigeria’s youth need more than just the NYSC programme—they need genuine opportunities, fair wages, and support systems that bridge the gap between education and employment. Until then, the real cost of making it remains high, paid in sleepless nights, sacrificed comforts, and relentless hustle.
It’s time for Nigeria to rethink how it supports its young people—from NYSC to the moment they finally say, “Na Money.” Because their success is the country’s success.
