₦airaland Forum

If you've been following my posts, you'd know I was posted to Umuahia North LGA of Abia State. After the three-week orientation, corps members were deployed to their various Places of Primary Assignment (PPA).

Some were posted to ministries, private institutions, schools, banks, etc. Truth be told, the salary can be meagre especially when the state is responsible for payment. That said, this can vary depending on the employer. Presently, we corps members are accommodated by the NCCF (Nigerian Christian Corpers Fellowship), and so far, God has been faithful. Though the environment is quite regimented.

Immediately we arrived at the corpers’ lodge, located at the State House of Assembly, I was completely exhausted. I needed rest and did just that so I could properly recuperate and move to my PPA the next day.

I must confess, the road leading to the State House of Assembly is well-paved and properly structured. Around this area, you can board a keke (tricycle) to your destination for just ₦200–₦300 per drop. However, if you're not street-smart, they could swindle you out of ₦2,000.

Here, it's mandatory not to be too verbose. If you're too eloquent, they might see you as a "JJC" (Johnny Just Come).

The next day, I boarded a tricycle to my PPA. It took about two drops. First, I stopped at Umudike Junction which is technically walkable but would leave you drenched in sweat. From there, I continued to the UBA bank at Aba Road, close to my PPA. The round trip cost me ₦1,000.

Interestingly, keke riders can be very polite especially when they realize you’re a corper. There’s a certain level of respect they accord to us.

When I finally got to the PPA, I was warmly received by the receptionist. Coincidentally, we shared the same name. I waited about two hours for my employer, as he was in a meeting with the Chief Judge of the state.

Eventually, a man in his 40s arrived. He ushered me into his office and, with a stern face, began asking a series of questions. I answered graciously and respectfully. After the brief interview, he laid out the terms and conditions of the placement which I found to be quite stringent:

No accommodation
No transportation stipend
A monthly salary of ₦4,500

Immediately, I began weighing my options and asked myself:

Can the ₦77,000 monthly allowee cover the cost of renting an apartment?
Can ₦77,000 feed me sufficiently for a month?

The plain answer was no!!!

So, I requested that the organization reject me. According to the clauses listed on the NYSC PPA letter, an employer is expected to provide accommodation and ensure the welfare of any corper. We are not to be treated like slaves.

After much back-and-forth and with the involvement of my LGI, I was eventually called to the office on Friday to pick up my rejection letter which, fortunately, had been signed a day earlier. Before that, they had requested that I write a formal letter stating clearly that I wished to be rejected. I did just that.

Finally, my PPA letter was officially rejected and yes I've documented fully at the local government secretariat. Sigh of relief, at least I can rest for now.

It wasn't easy because we were having series of back and forth.

Best thing to do.

Those useless organisations don't want to spend on corpers but would want them to work as if their lives depend on it.

What is #4,500 a month? Is this a joke?

Goo0dHardDick:
Best thing to do.

Those useless organisations don't want to spend on corpers but would want them to work as if their lives depend on it.

What is #4,500 a month? Is this a joke?

As in that amount alone got me weak. Even the employees there had this gloomy look on their faces.

Odey1997:
As in that amount alone got me weak. Even the employees there had this gloomy look on their faces.

The name of the f.oolish employer and his establishment should be made known so Nigerians can drag him and his useless company.

What is #4,500? The employer is m@d. The fact he was talking with the CJ of the state means he is loaded. It obvious the man doesn't pay his workers well.

Reject that place immediately. Let him bring his children to work for him there

Goo0dHardDick:
The name of the f.oolish employer and his establishment should be made known so Nigerians can drag him and his useless company.

What is #4,500? The employer is m@d. The fact he was talking with the CJ of the state means he is loaded. It obvious the man doesn't pay his workers well.

Reject that place immediately. Let him bring his children to work for him there

I've since been rejected by them for security reasons, I decided not to reveal their firm so it won't turn to another "RAYE" issue. I don't have those closely knit connections from above.

Odey1997:
I've since been rejected by them for security reasons, I decided not to reveal their firm so it won't turn to another "RAYE" issue. I don't have those closely knit connections from above.

Perhaps it's a law firm?

Let him get his family members to work there for him for free of charge

First thing I noticed is that you write very well unlike many other graduates.

I think the government parastatals usually pay paltry sums, but common you're receiving 77k from your original employers.

Goo0dHardDick:
Perhaps it's a law firm?

Let him get his family members to work there for him for free of charge

Yes it's a state law firm actually. The state itself from what I heard doesn't pay that much.