My NYSC Online Registration Experience

Hola amigos!

In my last post I announced that NYSC now has an online registration step that you have to do before heading to Abuja. Like I promised, I'm now posting a write-up from a very lovely reader who has graciously decided to share her experience. Please note that this is a long post, but you would be wise to read it thoroughly if you plan on registering for NYSC soon.

So, I’ve been looking forward to NYSC for quite a while, had some sort of extraordinary ginger. I even started a group on facebook and added friends that I knew will be serving in November Batch C 2013. Registration started on the 12^th of August and something new was added…ONLINE REGISTRATION. One of my friends went to Abuja quite early and she informed the group members that the form had to be completed online BEFORE going to the NYSC office for physical verification.

Now, the form is split into 3 parts and you have to complete the first section before proceeding to the 2^nd section and so on. 

The FIRST PART is the actual registration form, which is probably the easiest section to complete, in my opinion. 

I showed up a day earlier than the date I specified on my registration from but there was no wahala, so don’t let that get you stressed. *Date of Verification refers to the date that you want to report to the NYSC Headquarters in Abuja to submit your documents and registration slip.*

The SECOND PART is the Passport picture upload. MAKE SURE the picture is LESS THAN 500kb and that it is in a JPG or PNG format (pdf isn’t accepted).

The THIRD PART is the documents upload and there are 6 documents which have to be uploaded. They shouldn’t be more than 650kb and like the previous section, only JPG and PNG formats are accepted. The documents needed to complete this section are

1.          First University Degree or HND Certificate
2.          Complete Transcript of Degree or HND Programme
3.          O’level Certificate (WASC, GCE, SSCE, NECO, IGCE, GCSE, High School Diploma)
4.          Nigerian International Passport showing Entry Visa to country of study (If you have dual Passports and you didn’t need a visa to study abroad, just upload the page on your second passport which has all your details/personal data)
5.          Nigerian International Passport showing first departure date from Nigeria (Upload the page which shows the date your passport was stamped in Nigeria before you began your University Education)
6.          Nigerian International Passport showing Personal Data (with Date of Birth)

* PLEASE NOTE* There is a sub-section which allows you to upload any other supporting documents or corrections. My middle name was omitted from my WAEC certificate so I had to get an affidavit and upload it in this section.

Once you have completed all three sections, you will be allowed to print off your verification slip. You must take this as well as your original documents to the NYSC Office. The website says to come along with photocopies of your documents but I wasn’t asked for photocopies or passport pictures (I’ll advise you to take them though, just to be on the safe side).

Now, I was quite scared on the day I was going to Abuja as it was my first ever domestic flight and my first time in Abuja. I actually cried in the car on the way to the airport and I am not an overly emotional person, just saying. Anyways, when you get to the NYSC office, they would ask if you have registered online and printed out your verification slip, so just do it before you get there.

You aren’t allowed to take your laptops, iPads or Tablets into the building so just leave it at home or you would have to leave it with the army officers at the gate. The office is on the 1^st floor and there is a woman giving out slips with numbers on them. (Respect yourself because the people in charge tend to shout and embarrass anyone who makes the slightest mistake). Go into the office when your number is called, your documents will be checked to make sure that all the information on the online form is accurate and then you are free to leave.

It is really not that deep!! The November 2013 Batch C are the guinea pigs for this online registration system which is actually quite effective. Some of the stories which you have heard from the previous batches will not be applicable to our batch, the queue wasn’t long when I went and the whole process is relatively easy if you follow the steps.

Hope you like the state you are posted to.

God Bless!

Wasn't this a WONDERFUL and most importantly, DETAILED write-up?!?! Shouts out to Tuke M! Yay, maybe you can be our spy and keep this blog current and refreshed when you start service :D

Register for NYSC ONLINE!

Ladies and gentlemen... boys and girls... it was brought to my attention (THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!) that NYSC now offers ONLINE REGISTRATION for Foreign Grads aka Aje-Butters like you and me. Well, mostly you, because I'm done with all this, innit? :p

Anyways, of course I quickly ran to NYSC's website to confirm and there it was... shining like the sun in bright yellow (mustard actually)...

Let's scream, shout, dance, whoop, holler and jump for joy, right? Because this means no going to Abuja, right? YOU ARE WRONG!!! Registering online is just an added step to the registration process. Please see the steps as posted on the website, below. 

Important Information These tips will help you get prepared as you complete your registration on this portal Review the current NYSC Registration Requirements For Foreign-trained Graduates to complete your registration as a foreign trained graduate. Click Here To View The Requirements Ensure that you have graduated from an accredited foreign tertiary institution, and collected all required certificates. This is because you will be required to upload these documents as you register. Ensure that you have recent passport sized photograph. You will be required to upload this passport photograph.

How To Complete Your Registration

Completing your registration on this portal is easy.
Follow the simple steps bellow and you will be okay.

• Read the important information on this page
• If you already have an account on this portal, login using the form above, and continue from where you stopped.
  If you are new and don't have an account, create one by clicking Sign Up above.
• When you have logged in there are three links on the left of the screen that enable you to complete the following actions.
  • Click "Registration" to fill the registration form
  • Click "Passport Photo Upload" to upload your passport sized photograph
  • Click "Document Upload" to upload all required documents.
• When you have completed the three steps above, a link will appear for you to print your registration slip.
• You will come with this slip with original and photocopies of your documents for physical verification at the NYSC directorate head quarters.

Important Information These tips will help you get prepared as you complete your registration on this portal Review the current NYSC Registration Requirements For Foreign-trained Graduates to complete your registration as a foreign trained graduate. Click Here To View The Requirements Ensure that you have graduated from an accredited foreign tertiary institution, and collected all required certificates. This is because you will be required to upload these documents as you register. Ensure that you have recent passport sized photograph. You will be required to upload this passport photograph. Contact Information For all contact needs, send an email to: foreignreg@nysc.gov.ng

PLEASE NOTE: another prospective corps member has graciously written her experience with registering online and completing the registration process in Abuja. I will share it in the next post. In the meantime, she's opened a Facebook Group for 2013 Batch C Prospective Corps Members. Feel free to look it up and share your experiences and questions there as well.

NYSC 2013 Batch B Timetable is out!!!!!

Fun times!

Some foreign-grads should have started registering for the next batch (Batch B) of NYSC by now. Registration started on April 8th and goes all the way till June 7th. In my last post, NYSC hadn't posted the full schedule, but now it's ready, so I'm here to share :)

FYI I'm posting only the items that make any sense to prospective corps members.

The link to the full schedule is at NYSC 2013 Batch B Mobilization Timetable.

Registration of Foreign-trained Nigerian Graduates	8th April - 7th June, 2013
Delivery of Call-up letters to Institutions / NYSC Secretariats	18th - 21st June, 2013
2013 Batch ‘B’ Orientation Course aka CAMP	25th June - 16th July, 2013

Below are the required documents needed to register. And remember, you MUST register in person! Make multiple copies of everything cos you'll need them at different points.

NYSC Registration Requirements For Foreign-trained Graduates.

The following are required to complete your registration as a foreign- trained Nigerian graduate wishing to complete the national youth service corps:

1. The original and photocopies of the following documents are required for registration and mobilization of foreign-trained graduates into the National Youth Service Corps;                                                                                          
• First University Degree or HND Certificate
• Complete official Transcript of the Degree or HND programme
• Marks Sheets (for Indian Schools only)
• O’level Certificate i.e WASC, GCE, SSCE, NECO, IGCE, GCSE, High School Diploma for those who schooled in USA e.t.c. Candidate must obtain credit in not less than 5 subjects (including English and Mathematics) in any of the examinations at not more than 2 sittings. (Statements of Result or Attestation Letters are not acceptable in lieu of any certificate).
• Medical Doctors and Optometrists are required to produce in addition, Registration Certificate, Original and Photocopy of completion of Housemanship of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria/Optometrists Association of Nigeria, as applicable.
• Pharmacists shall produce in addition, original and photocopy of completion of Internship and the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria registration certificate.
2. Nigerian International Passport showing clearly;
   • Entry Visa to Country of Study
   • First Departure Date from Nigeria
   • Date of Return to Nigeria
   • Candidates with dual nationality are required to produce both passports for verification.
3. Three (3) Passport Size Photographs. (I would  get like 30 passport photographs cos you'll keep giving them out for one thing or another.)

For instances where any of the above are missing, visit the NYSC website - Foreign Requirements page.
                            
Special Notes:

• Registration of foreign-trained graduates commences on 8th April and closes on 7th June 2013
• Foreign-trained graduates enlisting into the Nigerian Youth Service are not obliged to choose their State of deployment. However, married women would be deployed to the state where their husbands are domiciled provided their marriage certificate and evidence of change of name are attached to their forms
• Registration is not done by proxy. All prospective Corps Members must therefore appear physically at the Evaluation Division of the Corps mobilization Department for registration.

2013 Batch A Orientation Camp starts tomorrow!

Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!

OMG, I totally thought March 5th was next week - blame the cough/cold that's refused to leave me since last week. Awww, it's time for the new batch of  corpers to report to their various orientation camps starting from tomorrow. I just want to wish everyone of you the absolute best! Try and have fun with it. It's "just" 21 days and it'll be over before you know it... after you've screamed and cursed the very soul of NYSC at least once or twice.

Don't forget to read up on the following posts. They'll give you a much clearer picture of what to expect.

1. Guide to surviving NYSC Camp - Items you need
2. Guide to surviving NYSC Camp: What NOT to bring
3. Guide to surviving NYSC Camp: Arrival and Registration
4. Guide to surviving NYSC Camp: Platoon Registration and Accommodation
5. Day and Night in NYSC Camp
6. The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of NYSC Camp
7. NYSC Anthem and Drills

Take care to everyone - buttery or not. God bless and much love from moi!

Berry. 

So I passed out of NYSC - Miss T.D's Post-NYSC Interview

Hiya Berryboos!

How are ya? I hope you're having a pretty week. Can I just say "Thank God tomorrow's Friday?!" I can't wait for the weekend to come so I can rest (yeah right). Have y'all been checking out my other blog??? You have? Good boys and girls! *gasp* You haven't??? Go to the naughty corner now! If you are not reading Berry Dakara's Blog, YOU ARE WRONG! (lol, I had to throw in Corper language).

Ok, enough playing around. 2012 Batch A Corpers just passed out within the past week or two - A HEARTY CONGRATS from me! And as usual, I got someone from that batch to answer my interview questions. Without further ado, I present Miss T.D.

NYSC 2013 Batch A Time Table

Hi guys,

As promised, here's the schedule for the 2013 Batch A prospective corps members. Foreign grads have already started registering and Orientation Camp starts in March. Again, no need to worry about the other stuff in the schedule as they pertain only to NYSC officials. The link to the schedule is at NYSC 2013 Batch A Mobilization Timetable.

Pre-mobilization Workshop Meeting	16th January, 2013
Registration of Foreign-trained Nigerian Graduates	10th December, 2012 - 26th February, 2013
Submission of Masterlist. Screening/Vetting by Mobilization Officers	21st - 23rd January, 2013
Action by the ICT Department	21st - 29th January, 2013
Delivery of Corps Mobilization	30th January, 2013
Delivery of Preliminary Printouts to CPIs	30th - 31st January, 2013
Return of Corrected Printouts by Institutions to NYSC NDHQ	4th - 6th January, 2013
Action by ICT)	4th - 19th February, 2013
Sorting and Packaging of Call-up letters	20th - 25th February, 2013
Delivery of Call-up letters to Institutions / NYSC Secretariats	26th - 28th February, 2013
Briefing of Prospective Corps Members	Throughout the year
2013 Batch ‘A’ Orientation Course aka CAMP	5th - 26th March, 2013

Yaaaaaaaaaay, I wonnnnnn!!!!!!!

Well, kind of.

Ok, so if you've been following my posts, you know that I begged and pleaded with the most berryful people on earth to nominate and vote for moi to win a Nigerian Blog Award. Well, the winners were announced via a Live Twitter event, starting at 10pm Nigerian time. In a show of being pathetic, I sleep-stalked the whole affair. I was already asleep by midnight and they hadn't gotten near the 'Best Tutorial Blog' category. So I'd sleep, wake up, refresh page... 'Best Health Blog'... Sleep, wake up, refresh page... 'Best Photography Blog'... Sleep, wake up, refresh page... 'Best Relationship Blog'... Sleep, wake up, refresh page... And the 'Best Nigerian Blog will be announced in a few minutes.' Wha, the wha what? *scrolls down and voila!*

There it is!!!!!!!!! Thanks to you, and you, and you and you and youuu (sang to the tune in Sound of Music) this blog won the popular vote for Best Tutorial Blog. *victory dance!!!!!!*

I've got a teeny-tiny question now though... Erm, dear NBA, sooooo since some of the categories (mine included) had different winners for the Judges Choice and Popular Vote, erm who gets the final winning slot? I ask this so I know whether to buy a dress and give a winning speech OR not buy a dress and give a concession speech - either way, I'm giving a speech :D

Anyways, I'm tres excited and now it'll be hard for me to go back to sleep but I had to say Thank Youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu all!

*goes to dance JJC - African Skank and Psy - Gangnam Style at the exact same time*

Hugs, handshakes, high fives, pecks, kisses and SMOOCHES!

Look who was featured on Bella Naija!!!!!

Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii,

Before I get to it, you know the new drill - PLEASE VOTE FOR MEEEEEEEEEEEE! Click on the Nigerian Blog Awards and select 'Aje-Butter's Guide to NYSC' for the Best Tutorial Blog! Thank you in advance :)

Back to regularly scheduled programming...

I was so pleased yesterday morning when my friend sent a BBM saying she'd seen my article featured on Bella Naija! Of course I had to spread the word on my BB and Facebook (no Twitter cos I feel like I might be doing too darn much - although my sister thinks I should get an account).

Anyways, if you've been reading my blog, there's nothing new in the article. It was really just a summary of the whole year that I wanted to share with others.

Here's a link to the article: An Aje-Butter's Guide to NYSC.

Yay me!

Have a berry lovely day berryboos!

Kiss kiss hug hug, big kiss, little kiss.

So I passed out from NYSC: Miss Tomi's Post-NYSC Interview

Hiya BooBerries!

I've got an exit interview from one of my friends who I met on my last day of camp. She turned out to be in the same Local Government as I was, so it was easy to get her to do an interview for me. In fact, she was WAY excited to do it, so here goes... Wait, before we go there, VOTE for me as TUTORIAL BLOG OF THE YEAR on Nigerian Blog Awards!


1. State your aje-butter credentials, according to Berry’s definition.

Hi guys! My name is Tomi, my aje-butter credentials which are not too aje butterish are: born and raised in Nigeria :D, regular summer jaunts, college in America, total time in obodo oyimbo was about 5 years and I hauled my ass back here to serve my wonderful country.

2. How would you summarize your NYSC experience from start to finish?

OMGGGG NYSC was crazy but amazing! There were times when I wanted to cry, times when I did cry and times when I had the best laughs. It was a struggle but I'm proud I did it.

3. What, if anything, did you learn during your NYSC year? Personally and/or career-wise?

Personally, I learnt that I am a really strong person, I don't know how to word that but there were some challenges I faced at work and in my personal life that I didn't think I would overcome. My grandpa died right before NYSC was supposed to start and I was soooo close to pulling out, but I didn't. Career wise, NYSC helped me realize that I do have a lot to offer; granted, school doesn't teach you how to deal with the real world but certain skills that I acquired at college put me ahead.

4. What are your personal views on the relevance of NYSC in Nigeria currently?

NYSC is relevant in the sense that it gives you a form of a gap year to develop yourself personally and professionally. During my NYSC, I took bead making classes which help me draw in some extra income, I became a distributor of Federico Mahora products and I started up my jewelry business. It's great to have that time to start a side hustle, lol. The only reason why I would say NYSC is irrelevant in Nigeria today is because of how poorly organized it is. People say they would rather spend that year trying to hustle but the hustle doesn't always work out and it's nice to have that N19,800 allowance from NYSC as fall back money.

5. Why did you decide to go through NYSC?

I decided to go through NYSC because in the long run, I want to be in Nigeria and I didn't want to have to start dealing with NYSC at a later age. I was very "Don't come back to Naij when you leave" but in junior/third year, I had the opportunity to come back and work and I realized that Nigeria had sooo much to offer so I quickly changed my plans.

6. What was your experience like in camp? Favorite/worst memories?

I was in Lagos camp and it was crazzzzzzzy!!!! LOOOL all the "big boys and girls", I was in camp for 13 days (had to leave for gramps burial) and I got sick once but it was cool beans. My FAAAAVE memory in camp was indomie and Heineken every night... I had a vendor guy there, and the moment he saw me approaching, a nice cold Heineken was gleaming at me!!! Haha, I also enjoyed the "Fayrouz club," which was a tent with a good DJ. I was in a room with some amazing ladies. Honestly, Lagos camp was on a different level with the drunken nights annnd the Mr. Macho competition?? Eye Candy Galore. My WORST memory was frog jumping from one end of the parade ground to the other end but it was fun when I saw some other people rolling on the floor. I really didn't mind waking up early and marching on the parade ground.

7. What would you change in the NYSC program?

The organization sucks major asssss! Instead of having to take a letter to do clearance every month, I would have a portal for supervisors at work to enter some form of attendance for corpers and certify that the corpers have been coming to work.

8. What CD group did you join, and was the experience worthwhile?

I was in the Education CD group and it was ok. I only taught like 4 times because a lot of times, my girls weren't at school due to different reasons so after a while I just let it go.

9. Do you have any advice for incoming aje-butter corpers?

Oh man, incoming aje-butters, dust up your agbero skills because they will come in handy. Try to do things on time and always keep in touch with your LGI or a fellow corper who always has all the latest news. Have a decent attitude about NYSC and try and make the most of it. Definitely try and acquire a skill during your service year and network like a crazy person. Pride won't take you too far as a corper but also don't kiss everyone's ass.

10. What are your plans post-NYSC?

I want to keep working for a year before I go back for grad school; definitely want to take a break for about a month and see my Chicago babies and I'm still making beads and selling them and being a distributor for FM. Watch out for Lúlú accessories in December.

Bonus question: What are you going to do with your NYSC uniform/kit?

LOOOOOL, ok so once I got my certificate and walked outta camp, the moment I got to the car, I took off my jungle boots and left them on the side of the road. My khakis and jacket are stashed at the back of my closet, no plans for those yet.

Thanks for interviewing me!!! Kisses and love
Tomilola Olotu

*PS: So Tomi was a baaaaaaaaaaaaaad girl! No wonder I didn't meet her until camp was over. Me, miss goody-two-shoes and she as Miss Mami Market :p. Just kidding! Wish you all the best sweetie!

I've had the time of my life...

Hi guys!

Sooooooooooo, I'd been looking forward to today - Passing Out day, and it finally came. I decided to ride with some of my friends and the journey from the island to Iyana-Ipaja camp took forever and a day! Okay, it took 2 hours, but this should have been a 1-hour journey. Anyways, after our looooooong journey there, I went to the appropriate line, as they had separated everyone into groups. It looks like there were about 8000 corps members in Lagos alone! Because we got there late, there wasn't actually a line at my section, and I walked straight up, turned in my Final Clearance letter, Copy of my Posting Letter, CD Card, and ID card and finally...

I picked up my NYSC certificate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am NO LONGER Nigeria's property!

I am NO LONGER Otondo anybody!

I am NO LONGER Ajuwaiya!

I SHALL NOT be wearing that uniform EVER AGAIN.... actually, I want to wear the jacket as a dress (I'll post a picture if I pull it off). Some people actually threw their boots and shirts away right there and then :p

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

*victory dance*

Love ya berryful Berryboos!!! Thanks for all your support and reading! I've got a few exit interviews lined up, including mine. But THANK GOD IT'S OVER! I think I'm staying home tomorrow to savor this feeling. I need a holiday, innit?

Hugs n kisses!

Word on the street is... Batch C 2012 registration has started

Hey y'all,

Soooooooo, I've been stalking and re-stalking the NYSC official website for the Batch C 2012 timetable. All to no avail! BUT someone who frequents THIS site said she heard they already started registration!!! Although she went to the Lagos Secretariat and was turned back, she knows someone who completed registration. If this is the case, and going by last year's schedule, foreign grads registration will be over mid-October.

For registration tips, go to my post on Registration for Aje-butters.

PLEASE if anyone has indeed registered, and can get the timetable directly from NYSC HQ, send the info to me! It is URGENTLY NEEDED!

**********UPDATE**********

It's out now! Click here for the link to NYSC 2012 Batch C Mobilization Table. Can I just say that it's kinda *rhymes with BILLY* to post the timetable over a month AFTER registration has started! Can someone please show my Letter to NYSC post to a bigwig at NYSC?

Thanks to my lovely reader who gave me the info in the first place - you totally RAWK!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know you're gonna kick butt for Batch C!



Tenks a bunsh - Oh lawd, I'm losing my Aje-butter cred!

Berry!

Been BERRY busy!

Hello honey boos!

First things first... NDO! PELE! FORGIVE ME, POR FAVOR! I'm so sorry it's been a little while. Truthfully, I just kinda needed a break. A social/internet blackout - turned off my BBM, [almost] deactivated my Facebook account, stopped reading blogs, etc. Sometimes, a girl just needs time to herself, ya know? Anyways, I'm back now, so look forward to more regular posts from yours truly.

Erm, 2012 Batch B corpers shoulda come out of camp yesterday (Tuesday). I hope you managed to have some amount of FUN! Now it's time for more stress :) My advice to you is to take time to breathe and relax this weekend - as long as you have submitted your posting letters and are waiting to hear back from the prospective employer OR you have received an acceptance letter from the employer and you have registered at your local government. It's going to be a looooooooooooong year.

Oooh, I have maybe 3 months maximum left to go!!!! #NYSCPassingOutCountdown (I love how I just make up twitter tags and I haven't got a twitter account.

Anyways, I took some time out to get a little creative a la my CD. And I've got pictures!!! My model is, ermmm, related to me somehow. If you know me personally, DON'T COMMENT and give me away o!

MAKE-UP

Before

After

After

My "model" said she liked the make-up because she still looked like herself after I was done. *smiles*

JEWELRY

This is just one piece I made. I was too tired to finish the others, but will post them accordingly.

FASCINATOR

In my CD, we were taught using this material called 'Sinamay.' But I wanted to try something different and found some felt material that I liked. It's not the best, but hey, I did it all by my oneses, without any supervision. 

So that's it! Oh, guess what I discovered today... tun tun DUN... I've TOTALLY forgotten how to tie a gele! *the HORROR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!*

Ah well, I'll practice another day.

Gotta leave youse... and I promise I won't be gone as long this time. 

God bless, hugs, kisses!

Berry. 

Under the sun AND in the rain...

Hello Berryboos/Booberries!

How are y'all doing? I'm doing pretty good. I had General CD last week Friday - as usual, a disaster with all the pushing, shoving, yelling just to get CD cards signed. As if it wasn't bad enough, our LGI (local government inspector) decided to combine signing the cards with our June Monthly Clearance. Well, before I left the house, I mentally prepared myself for a looooooooooong, stressful day. I was pleasantly surprised to be done before 2:30pm - It pays to be friendly with your NYSC officials.

Anyways, the reason why we started Monthly Clearance last week (wait, have I done a post on Monthly Clearance yet? I'll check and if not, expect a post soon) - so we started it early because 2012 Batch B Corps members are heading to their various camps TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!! Fun times... Not really :p

The reason why I titled my post 'Under the sun AND in the rain' is because we are now at the beginning of the rainy season. I feel like I must alert my fellow aje-butter corpers to bring a raincoat/umbrellas/wellingtons to deal with the rain. I personally don't know what camp is like when it rains continuously - the one afternoon it rained during my camp, everyone took cover. However, the NYSC anthem says to

"lift our nation high, under the sun or in the rain..."

It might depend on your camp officials, but I wish you even more luck than I wish Batch A Corps members.

For your review, check out my series of posts on Surviving NYSC Camp:

• Guide to Surviving Camp - Items you need
• Guide to Surviving Camp - What NOT to bring
• Guide to Surviving Camp - Arrival and Registration
• Guide to Surviving Camp - Platoon Registration
• Day and Night in NYSC Camp

Alrighty, gotta go! Work calls. Enjoy the next 3 weeks in camp.

Very tight big hugs and cuddles from me because the weather's frightful!

Berry.

So I passed out from NYSC - Miss B's post-NYSC interview

Hi BooBerries (hehe, I totally just came up with that, and mefinks I loike it uber-much!)

So, I hope y'all enjoyed Mimikins' interview last week. I found her interview to be interesting, not really critical of NYSC, and it had a more positive slant than I was expecting.

Well, I've got another interview today and I was SHOCKED to read her responses. Miss B is a no-nonsense, feisty chick and she clearly made her feelings known! I'll post my disclaimer now, as opposed to the end of her interview:

Dear NYSC-Leaders-Who-Happen-Upon-This-Blog-By-Chance, kindly consider 

that anything negative in the following interview are NOT MY words. 

Please do not use them against me when it's my turn to pass out. 

Berry loves you more than cake and ice cream... 

Ok, that last bit is a BIG LIE but you catch my drift :)

And now, my friend's interview...

1. State your aje-butter credentials, according to Berry's definition (See my definition here: 
   
   I'm Miss B (If you know her, then that response actually says it all, lol)
   
   
2. How would you summarize your NYSC experience from start to finish?
   
   My NYSC experience was traumatic to say the least. To me, NYSC is a scam and the officials go on ridiculous power trips with the aim of dehumanizing and traumatizing you. I learnt the true meaning of wickedness during this experience. The work aspect however, was great, I learnt a lot, met a lot of great people and I can honestly say the company I work for is has a pretty good company structure and thus, makes work a little easier. 
   
3. What, if anything, did you learn during your NYSC year - personally and/or career-wise?
   
   Personally, NYSC is a joke and education is our biggest problem in this country. Careerwise- working in Nigeria is special and you need an extra dose of patience and a high tolerance for bs.
   
4. What are your personal views on the current relevance of NYSC in Nigeria?
   
   There is no relevance period! The initial benefits of NYSC has since been lost and the system needs a total overhaul. It's simply a money making, power grabbing venture for the officials and the government.
   
5. Why did you decide to go through NYSC?
   
   I just wanted to get it out the way and I was going through career/major life changes so I thought, why not bite the bullet now.
   
6. What was your experience like in camp? Favorite/worst memories?
   
   LMAO. Err camp...I didn't stay in camp for medical reasons. I remember being sooo excited to go to camp but as soon as I stepped foot in the gate on my very first day, umm yea all that excitement stayed in the car. Worst memory...going to the ladies and almost puking from the nastiness that was the bathroom. Getting into my 'room' and realizing that there were 38 people in a room with a maximum capacity of 16 with no electricity and only 2 windows. The constant pushing and touching...people do not respect personal space and this was a big issue for me. Best memory...none....actually, walking out the gate after my exeat form was signed was pretty good.
   
7. What would you change about the NYSC program?
   
   Everything! For one, make everything computerized...its the 21st century! Eliminate the need for weekly/monthly cd. Restructure the pay (allowee), negotiate with companies for better pay for corpers, improve/the quality of the uniforms. Utilize the massive man/brain power of the corpers to actually make a difference in the country. For instance, corpers are no longer being posted to banks, oil companies and such, but does it make sense to send someone who barely graduated with a 3rd class to be a school teacher? As a country, we need to invest in alternative means of farming, electricity, fuels,these are projects you can assign to corpers and make it competitive so that at the end of the year, corpers can make presentations/ suggestions based on the R&D they've done their whole service year. The best and most feasible solution will have the opportunity to implement their findings and actually make a change. Obviously this is an over simplified example but it can be done.
   
8. What CD group did you join, and was the experience worthwhile?
   
   Charity (special CD). It was totally worth it. Charity visits/volunteer is something that's dear to my heart and I already do in my spare time, however, with NYSC, its just something to be done. There is no continuity or genuine interest because we were forced to do it.
   
9. Do you have any advice for incoming aje-butter corpers?
   
   Expect the worst! Not trying to scare you but trust me, when u expect the worst/nothing at all, you're not disappointed. Logic and common sense don't work here. Don't argue because you end up looking crazy. Smile a lot...it will keep you sane.
   
10. What are your plans post-NYSC?
    
    VACAY! VACATIONNNNN!!!!!
    
11. Bonus question: What are you going to do with your NYSC uniform/kit?
    
    I plan to have a burning/burial ceremony. Seriously, my uniform has been ripped and torn since the first day I got it so it's in the garbage. I'm only keeping my orange boots...I kinda like em.

And there we have it! I must say I thoroughly enjoyed getting her interview responses. And while anyone can look at them as being negative responses, I actually do think that there's some wisdom behind them. I don't know if NYSC as a whole tries to get feedback from ex-corpers, but it's worth looking into. The whole idea is to see what's working and what needs to be changed. There's so much that can be done through NYSC but are the leaders willing to put in the necessary resources? I believe that through NYSC, Nigeria can effect some positive change but there needs to be a plan - a sustainable one that will not die when a new head comes into position. 

Sometimes I wish I could be a consultant for NYSC. Go into the different secretariats, camps, and local government offices to see the current structure and recommend necessary changes. I'm going to post about my general cd next week (video included) and you'll see how riotous it gets...

Toodles BooBerries!

So I passed out from NYSC - Mimikins' Interview

Hey y'all,

Congratulations to all the 2011 Batch B Corps Members who successfully passed out from NYSC on Thursday, June 14th! I wish you all well and trying hard not to be jealous of you. I was supposed to be in your batch but somehow convinced myself to postpone serving - #AlwaysListenToYourMummyWhenSheSaysToServeWith2011BatchB.

Anyways, like the last time, I've interviewed someone near and dear to me on her NYSC experience. Mimikins, as I fondly call her, served in Abuja and this is what she had to say...

1. State your aje-butter credentials, according to Berry's definition. (See my definition here: Aje-Butter Definition)
   I was born and bred in London up until I was 23. Would say I came from a comfortable home, no complaints. We didn't have maids or cooks, etc because we don't do such in London, but I am your full aje-butter child... Well I was :-)
   
   
2. How would you summarize your NYSC experience from start to finish?
   It was a smooth but bumpy ride. Don't regret it but wouldn't want to repeat it.
   
   
3. What, if anything, did you learn during your NYSC year? Personally and/or career-wise?
   Career-wise, I learnt that I NEVER EVER want to become a civil servant! Gosh! They all look so miserable, that can't be me! Personally, I learnt how to adapt to the 'Nigerian way' of life, which is totally different to the UK. And I think I adapted quite well :-)
   
   
4. What are your personal views on the current relevance of NYSC in Nigeria?
   I may get attacked for this, but I think NYSC is good for foreign-trained students, particularly those who have spent most of their life outside Nigeria. It's a totally different system and we must learn how to adapt because whether we like it or not, this is our country! And NYSC forces you to adapt. Aside that, I don't see the relevance of NYSC anymore.
   
   
5. Why did you decide to go through NYSC?
   I didn't decide to go through NYSC by choice. Came to visit my mum one christmas and she somehow convinced me to stay back in Nigeria and 'serve my country,' lol.
   
   
6. What was your experience like in camp? Favorite/worst memories?
   I absolutely loved camp!!! Not for the drills or anything because I didn't do any of that. But for the fun times with friends, the friends I made there. Mammy market at night made it that more exciting too, all those drunken moments, lol. My worst memories would probably be the cold water showers, before I discovered the woman that boils hot water, and of course, the toilet situation...
   
   
7. What would you change about the NYSC program?
   Increase the nysc allowance according to where you're posted to. And change the attitude of those bitchy NYSC officials - we didn't force you to take the job.
   
   
8. What CD group did you join, and was the experience worthwhile?
   I was made to join the Consumer Protection Council CDS group, and no, it wasn't worthwhile at all.
   
   
9. Do you have any advice for incoming aje-butter corpers?
   I'll advice my fellow aje-butters coming to serve to learn humility. I was disgusted at the attitudes of some of the foreign-trained students - acting as if they were better than people who schooled in Nigeria, disrespecting their elders, etc. Humility is worldwide, and should be practiced everywhere you go. Another piece of advice - make sure you're fully protected against malaria, and don't drink water you're not sure of. Depending on how long the soon-to-be corper has been out of the country, their body may not be used to the environment again, so protect yourself.
   
   
10. What are your plans post-NYSC?
    Still undecided whether to stay in Nigeria or go back to London for a bit. Time will tell I guess.
    
    
11. Bonus question: What are you going to do with your NYSC uniform/kit?
    Was thinking of burning my corper uniform, but may give it to someone in my village :-)
    
    
    

And there we have it! Congrats again Mimikins!!! I wish you all the best as you move forward with your life.

*Note* I was not there by that time, regarding her comment about bitchy NYSC officials o. I LOVE ALL NYSC officials, and I'm not saying that only because I don't want to be caught and given unnecessary drama when it's my turn to pass out in October *insert BB straight face smiley*

Hugs n kisses,
Berry.

In NYSC News...

Hey people,

In my last post, I was really distressed by the Dana Air crash. Things are still somber in Nigeria, but we have to pick ourselves up and move on. I know I said a while ago that I'd post interesting NYSC-oriented news items and comment on them. I'm not even sure if the NYSC news feed shows appropriate news content. Anyways, I went digging for interesting articles to share and here they are below:

1. Female NYSC Members to learn Martial Arts - So the Director General a couple of weeks ago announced that female corpers would undergo martial arts training, because apparently they are being subjected to unwanted advances and molestation. His position is that he wants to empower female members to say NO in more ways than one.
   My comment: I quite like this idea but are they enforcing the training? In my camp there was time given to marching and martial arts, but only about 30 corps members participated in the martial arts training. Even I dodged it :(
2. NYSC gives conditions to release corpers for Edo Gubernatorial Elections - INEC wants to use corps members as ad-hoc staff in the upcoming governor elections in Edo State. If everyone remembers the elections from last year, a lot of corpers were targeted and killed while working with INEC. This time around the NYSC DG says security must be ensured if corpers are to be released to INEC.
   My comment: Hmm! I dunno about sending corpers out to participate again o. Especially as the security situation in Nigeria's dicey.
3. INEC - We'll secure corps members - And I quote, "We are going to extend the same security to Youth Corps members, even more security to them than our permanent staff. Fear should not be entertained because the commission has taken measures to ensure the security of our both adhoc and permanent personnel and even our materials."
   My comment: Riiiiiiiiiiiiiight. What measures were taken?

And there we have it, the round up of NYSC Nigeria in the news. This concludes our broadcast. I'm Berry Choco Latté, your hostess for BRRY - your source for Aje-Buttery NYSC information. See you next time. *flashes wide smile and begins to adjust papers on her desk like a serious newscaster*

:)

Vacay time!!! So you think you can travel...

Hola mi amor!!! Yes, you in particular *wink wink*

It's been a couple of weeks since I posted anything. Quite frankly, I'm running out of things to blog about - YIKES! I mean, it would help if I was willing to take and post pictures regularly, but I value my pseudo-anonymity. Well, I'm creative enough to randomly come up with topics, so s'all good.

Anyways, tomorrow's my birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm only half excited :( I had a terrible mishap on Friday that for NYSC propriety reasons, I must not speak about publicly. But it brings me to the topic of this post - Traveling during your service year. Now remember, I will never endorse breaking the rules - or confess to which ones I may or may not have broken. Let's just pretend we're all angels and abide by EVERY. SINGLE. RULE. Sound good? Ok, carrying on...

I'm pretty sure a lot of aje-butter (and non-aje) corpers plan all sorts of fun trips in/out of the state of deployment or even outside Nigeria. BUT did you know that you're actually not supposed to cross state lines during your service year? *insert BB straight face and say Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight* The reason why we're not supposed to travel is supposedly because corpers are regarded as 'Nigerian property' and our LGI (Local Government Inspector) becomes our guardian, for all intents and purposes. Imagine if you traveled without permission, and something bad happened to you... the LGI has to account for what happened to you and why.

Of course, there are rules in place for if you MUST travel, and the procedure is as follows:

1. Confirm with your boss if it's ok for you to take a vacation. Mind you, corps members are allowed a 7-day casual leave throughout the service year.
2. Write a letter of application for leave (and travel) to your LGI.
3. If approved, next apply to your Zonal Director.
4. If approved, apply to your State Coordinator.
5. If approved, you may cross state lines. IF you are trying to travel abroad, you have to apply to the Director General of NYSC, via the Abuja office. Only the DG can give you approval to leave the country.

You must have compelling reason to want to travel - e.g. medical reasons (you must provide all sorts of evidence as to why you can't receive treatment in your state of deployment), convocation, immediate family crises, marriage (I think... although they might tell you to schedule your wedding until after serving), etc.

Now, I'm sure you can see that going through the process above to travel is tedious. Not only will gathering the necessary documents and going to the different offices be time-consuming, you might also run into all sorts of unnecessary comments, insults, etc. It's only in Nigeria where those who follow the rules are punished for good behavior.

I will not tell you what/how people (notice I did NOT say ME/I) flout the rules, but I'm sure you're smart enough to figure it out. And if you're not smart enough and run into trouble, then you don't deserve to go anywhere!!! And I say that in the nicest possible way :)

Hasta la vista baby! Yes, YOU in particular *kiss hug kiss, ewww remove your tongue from my mouth!*

Berry

Batch B 2012 NYSC Timetable

Hey you *insert BB flirty smiley*


I hope everyone's doing well, wherever in the world you are...

Just wanted to note that the timetable for the next set of corpers for 2012 (Batch B) has been out for a little while - kindly forgive me for not stalking the NYSC website to check.

The notable details on the timetable for Foreign-Trained Graduates are as follows:

April 2nd to June 4th - Registration in Abuja
26th to 27th of June - Delivery of Call-Up Letters to your state of residence's NYSC secretariat
July 2nd to 23rd - Orientation


For the full timetable, click here - NYSC Batch B Timetable

Also click here - for NYSC 2012 Service Year Facebook Page

For my previous post on the Registration process and a list of the required items and documents, click here - Registration Process of Aje-Butters


Something to remember, corpers are being sent to serve in the following sectors: Health, Education, Agriculture, and Infrastructure.

Erm, that's about it.

Ttyl + xoxo = C u berry soon!

Best wishes to 2012 Batch A Corpers!!!

Hey y'all.

So a brand new set of corpers are about to begin their 12-moth NYSC journey starting tomorrow. I just want to give you last-minute words of advice as you enter into camp and get started on this adventure!

1. First things first, for those of you that have not yet located where your camps are, visit NYSC State Locations
2. Don't forget what you can and can't bring/buy (See my prior post here:  What to Bring and What NOT to Bring)
3. If you have medicines that you usually take (for headaches, allergies, cramps, asthma, etc), please take them with you. The clinics aren't nearly as stocked as they claim to be.
4. Don't spend all your time at mami market. It gets old really quickly. Although I heard some people just go there to maintain a buzz or stay drunk to cope with camp...
5. Don't break any bones during your Man 'O' War activities! 
6. Keep your eyes/ears open for any Community Development activities you may be interested in. Note that if you don't pick one at the end of the day, your Local Government Inspector's office will choose one randomly for you. 
7. Don't be afraid! Trust me, if I could manage 21 days in there, anybody can do it. Bring your A-game and slaughter any preconceived softie notions about you.
8. Please please please, don't go to camp and embarrass us "foreigners" and claim that you can't do any work. I'll just ban you from readying my blog *insert BB uninterested smiley!
9. DO NOT HAVE any form of sexual intercourse!!! I see you laughing, but I'm not joking. #1. It's freaking FILTHY in camp. #2. If you're caught, the story will get around and yours might be one of the stories I write about in my "Sex and NYSC Camp" post. I've warned you...
10. HAVE FUN! Don't be uptight. Be willing to mingle and make friends. You'll definitely need at least one person to gripe about camp with.
11. BRING GIST BACK FOR ME!!! Mostly cos I want to post them :)

That about covers it. By the time you come out, I'd have put up a post on what to do next after you leave camp. Best wishes and I can't wait to hear your stories!

Berry hugs and kisses!

Post-NYSC Interview

Hello darlings!

It's Friday and I'm singing "Cheers to the freaking weekend!" I had to go to my NYSC Local Government this morning for monthly clearance (this is where your company sends a letter to NYSC saying that you showed up to work consistently for the month, and NYSC pays you your allowance aka allawi). I just have to say that dealing with NYSC offices can make a person go insane! I'm just counting down the number of times I have to do this - 3 down, 9 to go... pray for my sanity, people!

So one of my friends from Batch A, 2011 just passed out - congrats to everyone who got their certificates! He's such a darling, and granted my request for an interview... I just wanted to get and share his experience and thoughts with you guys. Have fun reading...


Berry: State your aje-butter credentials according to Berry's definition. (See definition here: Calling All Aje-butters post)

Boss: All of the above


Berry: How would you summarize your NYSC experience from start to finish?

Boss: It was an exciting and intriguing experience. I met a lot of new people and made new friends from different parts of the country. The 3 weeks spent in camp was fun and entertaining, but for the most part it was stressful and knackering.


Berry: What, if anything, did you learn during your NYSC year? Personally or career-wise?

Boss: I learnt a lot about road safety which was what I did as my CD (Community Development). It has actually helped to make me a better and safer driver.


Berry: What are your personal views on the relevance of NYSC in Nigeria currently?

Boss: The NYSC programme was designed to encourage the youths of Nigeria to go out of their comfort zone or their indigenous states so that they could experience the lifestyle of other people in different environments. It was also designed with the aim of integrating youths of different backgrounds, ethnicity, religion and social class.


Berry: Why did you decide to go through the NYSC program?

Boss: I was encouraged by my parents and family members to go through NYSC so I could become a "full citizen" of Nigeria.


Berry: What was your experience like in camp? Favorite/worst memories?

Boss:

• Favourite experiences in camp: meeting new peeps, taking part in different activities, becoming runner-up in the Macho-Man/Sexiest Man Alive competition, coaching our platoon football team all the way to winning the camp football trophy
• Worst experiences: living in a small space with 17 other boys, all that marching under the hot sun, waking up at 4am, not being allowed to go to the girls hostel, crappy meals, no toilets, not enough time to sleep, not enough time to pimp hoes... etc

Berry: What would you change about/in the NYSC program?

Boss: I would change a few things. For instance, I would like a situation where the location of service is optional. I think applications should be done online. The NYSC camp kit (uniform) should be designed to suit each corper's needs. And more security and accommodation for the serving corpers.

Berry: What CD group did you join, and was the experience worthwhile?

Boss: Road Safety and yes, my experience was worthwhile.

Berry: Do you have any advice for incoming aje-butter corpers?

Boss: My advice to the incoming corpers, whether aje-butter or not, is to make the best out of the experience and try to participate in as many activities as possible.

Berry: Now that you're done with NYSC, what are your plans?

Boss: My post NYSC plan is to continue my journey of becoming the biggest BOSS the world has ever seen.

*end of interview*

As you can see, my friend is a bit of a joker. And you see where 'Boss' came from. I didn't know he participated in the camp pageant... although he IS kinda hawt (actually he's REALLY HAWT and has one of the nicest voices EVER!). His quip about not having enough time to pimp hoes has given me an idea for a new post!!!!!

Have a pretty weekend :)

Berry hugs!