From Parade Grounds to Professional Heights: My NYSC Journey

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” – Lao Tzu

I am Dahud Yusuf Ishola, a proud human physiology graduate of the University of Lagos in Nigeria. I have always thought that stepping outside of your comfort zone leads to progress, and the NYSC journey was the ideal chance to put that theory to the test.

As I prepare to close this chapter of my life with the NYSC Passing Out Parade, I can't help but reflect on the incredible journey that has shaped me over the past year. From preparation for orientation camp to personal growth and professional achievements, this experience has been a rollercoaster of challenges, discoveries, and triumphs.

Preparation for Camp: A Mix of Excitement and Anticipation

In order to promote national growth and togetherness in Nigeria, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is a one-year obligatory programme. Graduates of Nigerian polytechnics and universities are required to serve the country, often in states far from where they were educated or lived.

Preparing for the orientation camp involved packing essentials, bidding farewell to loved ones, and embracing the uncertainty of the year ahead. Little did I know that this leap into the unknown would set the stage for incredible growth. As the call-up date approached, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions. Like many others, I was skeptical about where I might be posted. Considering the challenges of insecurity in some parts of Nigeria, I prayed fervently not to be sent too far from home. I placed my trust in Allah, hoping for the best outcome.

When the NYSC call-up letter arrived, my emotions intensified—excitement, anxiety, and anticipation for the unknown hit me all at once. I was posted to Lagos State, which brought relief since it wasn’t too far from home. However, my orientation camp was scheduled for Ede, Osun State, likely because the Lagos camp was already filled.

The thought of leaving my comfort zone and stepping into the uncertainties of camp life was daunting, but I was determined to make the best of this new chapter. Little did I know, this would be the start of a transformative journey.

This was one of the greatest news I received last year; my call-up letter:

Life at Orientation Camp: A Crash Course in Resilience

The day finally arrived for me to report to the NYSC orientation camp. As a member of Batch A1, Stream 1, I was filled with mixed feelings—eagerness to begin the journey but also uncertainty about what lay ahead. By a stroke of good fortune, one of my mentors was travelling to Osogbo, Osun State, on the same day, and I was able to hitch a free ride. He dropped me off in Ede, from where I took a bike to the NYSC orientation camp.

At the camp’s entrance, I was greeted by a team of security personnel. They checked my belongings thoroughly and asked me to leave them in a designated area. Thankfully, they didn’t seize anything from me, as I had been careful to avoid bringing any prohibited items. However, I couldn’t help but notice other prospective corps members (PCMs) losing items deemed inappropriate for camp. As a welcoming gesture, we were handed bottles of table water before proceeding to the registration area.

The registration process was straightforward but bustling with activity. I handed over my documents as requested and was thrilled to meet some familiar faces—university mates from UNILAG. That sense of familiarity boosted my spirits, and before long, I had already made new friends at the registration point.

Once registration was completed, the soldiers directed me to the male hostel. When I got to the assigned room, I was taken aback—it was a large space designed to accommodate 50 PCMs. My first reaction was one of disbelief: “What the heck is this?!” Sharing a room with 49 strangers from diverse backgrounds felt overwhelming, but I knew I had no choice but to adjust.

After settling into the room, I went to collect my NYSC kits. The experience was as comical as it was humbling. The khaki shirt and trousers I received were ridiculously oversized, resembling an Agbada more than a uniform. The shoes were no better—they were far too big for my feet. I quickly sought out someone to exchange with, ensuring my uniform was at least manageable.

I was placed in Platoon 9, where I began forming new friendships. Despite the initial hurdles, the camaraderie and shared experiences of camp life made it all worthwhile.

Towards the night, my mentor sent me some money to enjoy myself at Mami Market. I eagerly headed there, soaking in the lively atmosphere and indulging in some good food. That first night at camp was an interesting and unforgettable experience, marking the start of an incredible journey.

Day 2 at Camp: Settling into the Rigors of Camp Life

Day two began earlier than expected. At approximately 2:30 am, I found myself awake, my natural sleep cycle disrupted by the unfamiliar surroundings. Despite the hour, I got up, grabbed some water, and took a quick bath to refresh myself. Afterward, I turned to Twitter, scrolling through the latest news to feel a sense of normalcy amid the chaos of camp life.

By 4:30 am, the piercing sound of soldiers’ whistles jolted everyone into action. We assembled at the parade ground, where the day’s activities were outlined. Morning meditation followed until 5:50 am, after which I headed to the mosque for dawn prayers.

Returning to the parade ground, we plunged into rigorous drills that lasted until 7:30 am. Exhausted but famished, we broke for breakfast. The meal was far from ideal—bread and watery tea—but it was sufficient to recharge our energy. After freshening up, I took my phone and power bank to the Mami Market to charge, making the most of the brief downtime.

At 9 am, we were back at the parade ground, resuming drills under the watchful eyes of the soldiers. These sessions dragged on until noon, leaving me physically drained. Determined to escape the daily grind of parades, I decided to volunteer at the camp clinic. Unfortunately, my plan hit a snag—the clinic had no vacancies. Disheartened but undeterred, I opted to join the Red Cross instead, knowing it would involve rotating duties. However, this meant I’d still face parade duty the next day—a bitter pill to swallow.

The afternoon offered a brief respite as I attended Jummah prayers. Shortly afterward, I reported for my Red Cross duties during the evening parade, which ran from 3:30 to 6 pm. By the end of it, I was utterly spent. I hurried back to the hostel, collapsing onto my mattress and dozing off until around 8 pm.

The night’s schedule took an unexpected turn when, after evening prayers at the mosque, we were ushered to a social gathering organized by the soldiers. The lively event ran until 10 pm, concluding abruptly when the generator powering the camp was switched off.

Later, I attempted to fetch water to wash my clothes and shoes, only to find the taps dry. Improvising, I used sachets of pure water to complete the task—a resourceful end to a grueling day.

And so, Day 2 came to a close. With 19 more days to go, I braced myself for the challenges that lay ahead.

The Remaining Days: A Routine of Growth and Discovery

The orientation camp followed a structured routine that became second nature over time. Daily parades, social nights, and camaraderie with fellow corps members filled our days and evenings. A significant milestone came on February 20, 2024, when we were officially sworn in as corps members (CM), shedding the title of prospective corps members (PCM). The ceremony was both solemn and celebratory, marking the beginning of our service year.
This was the day of Swearing-in

One of the NYSC program’s unique features is its Skills Acquisition & Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) training. Designed to equip young graduates with entrepreneurial skills, SAED offered diverse fields such as Agro-allied, Automobile, Cosmetology, Beadmaking, Makeup, Food Processing, Paint Making, and Information Technology. Each corps member was required to join at least one skill group during the 21-day orientation.

Given my passion for technology, I gravitated toward the IT department. My prior experience made it less about learning and more about sharing knowledge. I assisted the tutor and even conducted tutorials for some of the corps members. By the end of the training, our IT team showcased a project during the Inter-Platoon Skills Acquisition Competition Exhibition, reflecting our collective effort and creativity.

The camp also organized a series of lectures designed to educate and inspire. Highlights included:

• UNICEF Lecture: Focusing on child rights and welfare.

• Mind the Gap Digital Skills and Leadership Program: Equipping us with tools for personal and professional growth.

• Fire Safety Lecture: Preparing us for emergencies.

• ABU Zaria Sensitization: Aimed at enhancing academic and professional prospects.

• Professional orientation for teaching, engineering, law, and medicine.

• Insights from the EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission) and NIS (Nigerian Immigration Service).

These sessions were enriching and broadened our perspectives on leadership, career development, and national service.

While the days often felt repetitive, the steady rhythm of activities allowed for deep connections and personal growth. By the time the camp drew to a close, I had not only gained new skills and experiences but also made friendships and memories to last a lifetime.

These are my fellow Red Cross members from the 2024 Batch A Stream 1 orientation camp.

The Last Day at Camp: A Mix of Joy and Uncertainty

The final day of camp was a whirlwind of emotions—joy, relief, and a tinge of apprehension. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as corps members celebrated the end of the 21-day orientation camp, yet there was an underlying anticipation for what lay ahead. This was the moment we would each discover our Place of Primary Assignment (PPA)—the location where we would spend the rest of the service year contributing our skills to the nation.

As the PPA letters were distributed, the campgrounds grew quieter, with everyone intensely focused on their postings. I opened my letter with bated breath, only to feel a wave of disappointment wash over me. I had been posted to a secondary school. My heart sank. My course of study, Physiology, had little to do with teaching in a secondary school, and the thought of standing in front of a classroom felt misaligned with my professional aspirations.

The joy of the last day was dampened by my frustration. I felt disheartened and began questioning how I could make the most of the situation. The camp was supposed to be a prelude to a meaningful service year, and I was determined not to let this posting dictate my journey.

The Hustle for a Perfect PPA: Persistence Pays Off

After returning from camp, I was placed under Ikorodu Local Government (LG) for my monthly clearance and Community Development Service (CDS). Knowing that I had the option to change my Place of Primary Assignment (PPA) with a request letter from a suitable organization, I decided to hold off on documentation at the LG. I was resolute about one thing—I would not serve in a secondary school.

"If I wanted to teach, I would have studied an education-related course," I told myself. "I didn’t spend six years earning a degree in Physiology—four years for the degree and two extra years lost to the COVID-19 pandemic and ASUU strike—to end up teaching in a classroom."

Determined to find a placement in the health sector, I reached out to my mentors and began submitting applications. My focus was clear—I wanted a PPA where I could learn and practice skills related to my course of study, especially echocardiography. Armed with my CV and under the sweltering sun during Ramadan, I submitted more than 20 applications across hospitals in the mainland, Island, and Ikeja axis. These are some of the hospitals:

As an adage says, “When you are desperate about something, you must strive for it.” Giving up wasn’t an option. However, many places required inside connections before accepting new applicants.

Eventually, my perseverance began to pay off.

1. First Opportunity - LUTH
   I received a request letter from Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), but I was hesitant. I had already spent much of my undergraduate years at LUTH, including my SIWES program. I craved a new environment to expand my horizons.

   

2. Second Opportunity - Island Hospital
   Alhamdulillah, one of my mentors connected me with a cardiologist at a hospital on the Island. After meeting with him and explaining my situation, he assured me I could serve with them.

3. Third Opportunity - Ikorodu General Hospital
   As the deadline for documentation approached, another mentor introduced me to a cardiologist at Ikorodu General Hospital. I explained my struggles and my determination to avoid teaching. Seeing the passion in my story, the cardiologist sympathized with me and instructed the secretary to issue a request letter, which he signed.

   

Now I had three solid options. After weighing my choices, I decided to serve at Ikorodu General Hospital due to its proximity to my home compared to LUTH and the Island hospital.

Before submitting my request letter to the LG, I needed to secure a rejection letter from the secondary school NYSC had initially assigned me to.

---

The Rejection Letter

On the appointed day, I put on my full NYSC uniform and headed to the school. I greeted the secretary and handed her my posting letter, explaining my reasons for seeking a rejection letter. She listened empathetically and took my case to the proprietor. To my immense relief, they issued me a rejection letter and stamped my PPA letter as rejected.

I was overjoyed and grateful to Allah for granting me success in this critical step. With the rejection letter from the school and the request letter from Ikorodu General Hospital, I went straight to the LG for documentation. This chapter of my NYSC journey taught me the power of persistence and faith. It reinforced the idea that when you’re determined and put in the effort, opportunities will eventually align in your favor.

Ikorodu General Hospital: A Platform for Growth

My time at Ikorodu General Hospital was a defining phase in my NYSC journey, marking a significant leap in my professional and personal growth. It provided a platform to hone my skills, explore my passion for healthcare, and contribute meaningfully to the medical field.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this experience was working closely with a consultant cardiologist. Learning under his guidance was undoubtedly one of the greatest gifts of 2024 and my service year. Beyond clinical training, I gained invaluable lessons in teamwork, punctuality, and professionalism.

Key Achievements During My Service Year

1. Cardiovascular Expertise
   I acquired hands-on experience in critical cardiovascular procedures such as ECG, echocardiography, and ankle-brachial index. Interacting with patients taught me the importance of empathy and patient-centered care. Patients are not just individuals seeking medical attention—they are our guests and deserve to be treated with utmost respect and compassion.

2. Administrative Contributions
   My colleague and fellow corps member, Odubiyi Adebukola, and I collaborated to assist the Director of Clinical Services and Training (DCST) with various administrative tasks, including:

   • Preparing presentation slides for hospital programs.

   • Developing protocols to streamline hospital management processes.

   • Assisting in the creation of certificates for staff training programs.

3. Research Initiatives
   Under the supervision of the consultant cardiologist, Odubiyi Adebukola and I undertook a research project titled "Prevalence and Co-founding Factors of Hypertension." This project was a significant contribution to Nigeria’s health sector and is currently under review for publication.

Expanding My Expertise Beyond the Hospital

In addition to my role at the general hospital, I was fortunate to secure a part-time position at Rilmark Cardiology Clinic as a cardiac physiologist. This role offered me further opportunities to expand my expertise in cardiovascular procedures, including:

Rilmark Cardiology Clinic is committed to providing advanced non-invasive cardiovascular care, especially for adults. Our services are tailored towards the prevention, early detection, evaluation/assessment, and management of all cardiovascular risk factors and diseases.

We offer high-quality non-invasive cardiovascular diagnostics, treatment, education, and advocacy, delivered by qualified professionals with extensive experience in a friendly environment driven by passion and professionalism. Rilmark Cardiology Clinic & Cardiovascular Centre is a one-stop facility for comprehensive non-invasive cardiology care. Check out the Rilmark website to book an appointment and also follow us on our social media pages.

This role at Rilmark Cardiology Clinic offered me further opportunities to expand my expertise in cardiovascular procedures, including:

• Holter ECG monitoring

• Carotid Doppler ultrasound

• Exercise ECG

Working in this setting provided me with the opportunity to engage directly with patients, assist them during procedures, and offer counseling. These experiences not only improved my technical expertise but also enriched my understanding of patient care and effective communication. Additionally, my boss conducted training sessions with us on various health-related topics, including emergency response, further enhancing our knowledge and preparedness.

Serving at Ikorodu General Hospital and the Rilmark Cardiology Clinic was a transformative experience that significantly shaped my career trajectory. The combination of clinical training, administrative responsibilities, and research initiatives helped me build a strong foundation for a future in healthcare, while also fostering a sense of fulfillment in contributing to the well-being of others.

Community Development Service (CDS): Giving Back to the Community

During my NYSC service, I was an active member of the Medical and Health CDS group. Our activities revolved around raising health awareness and contributing positively to our community. Every third Tuesday of the month, we embarked on sensitization programs, visiting schools to educate students on health-related topics. We also paid a courtesy visit to the Ikorodu king's palace, where we sensitized the people in the palace on the importance of maintaining good health.

Courtesy Visit to the King's Palace, Ikorodu – Promoting Health and Wellness During Our Sensitization Program:

Health Sensitization Program at Ipakodo Senior School, Ikorodu – Educating Students on Health and Wellness While Sharing Gift Items:

General Outreach to Isawo community, Agric, Ikorodu:

One of our most impactful projects was a general outreach to a community in Isawo, Agric, Ikorodu. During this outreach, we provided free medical checkups to the community and its environs, ensuring that health services reached those who might not have access otherwise.

However, my CDS journey was not without its challenges. During one of the monthly meetings, I was issued a query by the LGI. This occurred because I arrived late, and attendance was taken early due to low turnout. The experience taught me the importance of punctuality and accountability in teamwork and group activities.

This was the query I received from the LGI:

My response to the query:

Our final monthly sensitization program for the year was particularly memorable. We paid a courtesy visit to an orphanage home in Ebute, Ikorodu, where we donated food items and cash to support the children. This initiative underscored the essence of the CDS program: contributing meaningfully to our community as corps members.

Personal Development: Building Beyond the Uniform

My NYSC year wasn’t just about service; it was a year of self-investment and exploring opportunities that aligned with my passions and career aspirations.

Web Design Certification
In addition to my existing web development skills, I pursued and earned a certification in web design using WordPress, expanding my expertise in digital solutions. If you own a business and want to grow your online presence, I’m your go-to web designer. Feel free to check out my social media pages for more information about my web design services.

Health-Tech Innovation
While serving in the hospital, I secured a 6-month internship with Venture Tribe, where I collaborated with professionals from diverse tech backgrounds, including product managers, graphic designers, UI/UX designers, and data scientists. Together, we worked on creating innovative solutions for the healthcare sector. Our key project was Tell-a-Doc, a telemedicine platform designed to facilitate remote consultations with healthcare professionals through video calls, chats, or phone calls. Although we are yet to launch the platform publicly, you can check out our website for updates. This experience was incredibly fulfilling, and I earned a certificate at the conclusion of the internship, thanks to Venture Tribe for the opportunity to use our skills to make an impact.

I got my certificate at the end of the internship:

Virtual Assistance Training
I also completed an 8-week ALX Virtual Assistant program, equipping myself with essential skills like administrative task management, calendar scheduling, appointment handling, customer support, content management, social media strategy, data entry, and travel arrangements for clients. This training has enhanced my versatility and prepared me to take on diverse roles.

Here was the certificate I got from ALX Virtual Training:

Echocardiography Training
Currently, I am pursuing a virtual degree in echocardiography to deepen my knowledge and expertise in cardiovascular diagnostics. This demonstrates my continued commitment to professional and personal growth in my field.

A Year of Transformation

Reflecting on my NYSC journey, I see a year that was truly transformative—filled with growth, resilience, and impactful experiences that shaped me personally and professionally. While it wasn’t without its challenges, each obstacle presented an opportunity to learn, evolve, and strive for excellence.

From navigating the initial disappointment of my posting to a secondary school to tirelessly searching for a more suitable placement in the health sector, my determination led me to Ikorodu General Hospital, where I gained invaluable hands-on experience in cardiovascular care and research. My time there not only deepened my expertise but also taught me essential skills like teamwork, punctuality, and patient interaction.

In parallel, I invested in my personal development, earning certifications in web design and virtual assistance, as well as participating in a health-tech internship that allowed me to work on innovative projects like Tell-a-Doc, a telemedicine platform designed to improve healthcare accessibility. These experiences expanded my skill set, professional network, and confidence in pursuing impactful projects.

Additionally, through my involvement in the Medical and Health CDS group, I contributed to community development through health sensitization programs, free medical check-ups, and outreach events that made a tangible difference in people’s lives. These activities reinforced the importance of giving back and highlighted the power of collective action.

Today, the 23rd of January, marks a significant milestone in my life as I proudly received my NYSC certificate. It felt like a triumphant conclusion to a transformative year. Holding that certificate in my hands, I was filled with pride, knowing I had not only served my country but also grown into a more resilient, skilled, and confident professional. This journey has been one of growth, learning, and impactful experiences that I will carry with me forever.

I would first like to express my deepest gratitude to my parents, family, and friends for their unwavering support, love, and encouragement throughout my NYSC journey. Your belief in me, your constant prayers, and your emotional and moral support have been my pillars of strength.

To the University of Lagos that laid my academic foundation, I also appreciate my mentors—Dr. Abdul Rahman Okeowo, Dr. Lookman Kareem, and Dr. Ridwan—as well as the entire General Hospital staff, who made my service year a period of tranquility and growth. My heartfelt thanks go to the Rilmark staff, my NYSC buddies, including my cousin Nofiu Zainab, and my colleagues at work: Odubiyi Bukola, Dr. Ajeleti Fiyinfoluwa, Ogunlumade Blessing, Folarin, and many others. Thank you all for making my NYSC experience smooth and fulfilling.

Parting Words to Future Corps Members

To those about to embark on their NYSC journey: embrace the challenges, seek out opportunities, and never stop investing in yourself. NYSC is more than just a year of service—it’s a platform for discovery, growth, and transformation. Approach it with an open mind and a willingness to learn, and you’ll emerge with skills, memories, and experiences that will last a lifetime.