If you are a nursing student in Nigeria, you might be wondering if you will have to participate in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program after graduating from the school of nursing.
The NYSC is a one-year mandatory service scheme for Nigerian graduates who are below the age of 30. The aim of the program is to foster national unity and development among the youth.
The answer to the question of whether you will go for NYSC after school of nursing depends on the type of nursing program you enrolled in. There are two main types of nursing programs in Nigeria: the basic nursing program and the degree nursing program.
The basic nursing program is a three-year course that leads to the award of a Registered Nurse (RN) certificate. This program is offered by schools of nursing that are affiliated with teaching hospitals or federal medical centers.
The basic nursing program does not require a university admission, and it is not equivalent to a bachelor’s degree. Therefore, graduates of this program are not eligible for NYSC.
The degree nursing program is a five-year course that leads to the award of a Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) degree. This program is offered by universities that have faculties of nursing or colleges of health sciences.
The degree nursing program requires a university admission, and it is equivalent to a bachelor’s degree. Therefore, graduates of this program are eligible for NYSC.
So, if you want to go for NYSC after school of nursing, you have to enroll in the degree nursing program. However, you should also know that there are some advantages and disadvantages of going for NYSC as a nurse.
Some of the advantages are:
- You will have the opportunity to serve your country and contribute to its development.
- You will have the chance to explore other parts of Nigeria and learn about different cultures and people.
- You will gain valuable work experience and skills that can boost your resume and career prospects.
- You will enjoy some benefits such as monthly allowance, free accommodation, health insurance, and certificate of national service.
Some of the disadvantages are:
- You might be posted to a remote or insecure area where there are inadequate facilities and resources for your work.
- You might face some challenges such as discrimination, harassment, exploitation, or violence from some members of the host community or fellow corps members.
- You might encounter some difficulties in securing a permanent job after your service year, especially if you want to work in the public sector.
- You might have to delay your further studies or specialization if you want to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing.
In conclusion, whether you will go for NYSC after school of nursing depends on the type of nursing program you enrolled in. If you enrolled in the basic nursing program, you will not go for NYSC. If you enrolled in the degree nursing program, you will go for NYSC. However, you should weigh the pros and cons of going for NYSC as a nurse before making your decision.
