Before You Accept That NYSC PPA: 7 Important Things to Know

After leaving the NYSC orientation camp, most corps members are eager to resume at their Place of Primary Assignment (PPA).

While excitement is normal, accepting the wrong PPA can make your service year stressful.

Before you submit your acceptance letter to your Zonal Inspector, here are important things every new corps member must consider.

1. Don’t Be Too Anxious to Accept Any PPA

Many corps members rush to accept the first PPA they find because they want to return home quickly.

However, your PPA is where you will spend the next 11 months.

Avoid accepting positions that:

• Require you to hawk or market products on the street.
• Treat corps members like cleaners or domestic workers.
• Assign tasks unrelated to your qualifications.

Take your time. Waiting for a better opportunity is often worth it.

2. Confirm Accommodation Conditions

Not all PPAs provide accommodation.

Even when provided, it may not be suitable.

Before accepting, consider:

• Privacy
• Electricity supply
• Network availability
• Security
• Proximity to workplace
• General environment

If accommodation is not conducive, you may need to arrange your own housing.

3. Ensure Your CDS Day is Respected

As a corps member, you are entitled to one free day per week (usually your CDS day).

On that day, you are not expected to be at your PPA and you must attend your CDS meeting.

Your employer should respect this arrangement.

If a PPA refuses to allow you to attend CDS, it may create problems with NYSC clearance.

4. Discuss Local Allowance Clearly

If you are posted to a private organization, clarify the issue of local allowance.

While NYSC pays a monthly federal allowance, some private PPAs provide additional stipends.

There is no fixed amount, but many corps members receive between ₦15,000 and ₦250,000 depending on the organization.

Financial clarity prevents future disputes.

5. Understand the Workload

Corps members are not full-time staff replacements.

In schools, for example, you should not be overloaded with too many subjects and you should not be assigned unrelated duties.

While you can assist voluntarily, avoid situations where you are overworked or exploited.

6. Do Proper Research

Before accepting your PPA, speak with existing corps members, ask about management style, confirm how allowances are handled, and ask if they respect CDS days.

This helps you avoid unpleasant surprises.

7. Ask About Rules and Regulations

Some organizations have strict rules, especially mission schools and private firms.

Before accepting, ask about the dress code, visiting policies, working hours, and weekend expectations.

If any rule makes you uncomfortable, you have the right to decline politely.

Remember: You are serving your country — not signing a lifetime contract.

What Happens After Acceptance?

Once you agree with your PPA, they issue you an acceptance letter, you submit it to your Zonal Inspector, and you resume work officially.

After acceptance, changing your PPA can be more stressful.

That is why careful decision-making is important.

So, do not rush. Your NYSC service year should be productive and enjoyable — not stressful.

Choose a PPA where you can grow professionally, your rights are respected, your workload is manageable, and your CDS day is protected.

You are not meant to endure exploitation. You are meant to serve with dignity.