Being a corps member in Nigeria can be an exciting profession, even with the numerous stresses and inconveniences attached to it. There seems to be great esteem accorded to the young Nigerians who wear the NYSC uniform and bear the appellation "corper" or "koopa" as some would pronounce it. One might be of small stature, but if he or she is a corps member, there's a deal of respect they get from the immediate society. Sometimes it happens at the bus stop where a lot of chattering goes on. Even before you reach the park, as you approach from a distance, you might begin to hear the conductor calling, "Koopa, you dey go? Enter here! One chance!" Or at the market where you go to get some food items; you are still checking to see what things to buy and the calls from traders greet your ears; "Koopa, come buy from my hand. Koopa, I get wetin you wan buy!" and so on. Sometimes you are overwhelmed by the unexpected and humorous displays from these people. Even the street mendicants and roadside beggars can recognize a corper when they see one. Just when they see you with the NYSC uniform, they begin to stretch their arms. They feel you have enough to share with them; so often they make you feel obligated to give to them. Even in the banks, corpers are paid special attention to, the police and soldiers too accord special recognition to the corp member and this brings some form of excitement.

It is indisputable that the NYSC scheme is a blessing for Nigerian young people. The establishment of this scheme is a profitable innovation whose advantages should be acknowledged. Apart from the honour that we get from being corps members, there are other great privileges attached to the scheme. Corps members have the opportunity of serving with different corporations, institutions and establishments. These opportunities serve as a preparatory ground for them to handle various duties in the future. A corps member who is assigned to serve in an academic institution such as a school, for example, has the opportunity to be trained in the field of education, human management, discipline and other necessary endeavours which will prepare them to face higher demands in the future. So the NYSC scheme is not only for honour and glory as it were but for training and self-development. One can begin to employ his experiences in the place of primary assignment for greater opportunities to come. Being a corps member will afford anyone the opportunity to be groomed and trained in specific fields and areas of influence. 
Engagements such as the Community Development Service (CDS) also afford the corpers a lot of opportunities to offer themselves selfless services. They are given the chance to maximize their time, energy, ideas and resources for the growth and development of the communities in which they serve. This is important because young people have everything it would take to transform their societies. They only need motivation, support and platforms to carry out good deeds. Being a corps member in the NYSC scheme affords one the opportunity to be engaged in community development and selfless exercises for the sake of others. Even though it is meant to develop the community, it also develops the corps member. In the Community Development Service (CDS), corps members are acquainted with crucial development strategies that they can utilize both for others and themselves. This reveals that the NYSC scheme is for the good interest of the youth; it shows that the corper has within his reach various advantages of growth and personal development. 

However, even though the NYSC scheme affords the corps members various opportunities and advantages, they too must take responsibility. Responsibility is a response to opportunity. As a corper, one must be on the lookout for chances to contribute to self-development. You must be willing to invest time and resources in profitable ventures such as trade, skill acquisition, mental growth and other areas of development. One could maximize opportunities to take professional courses to increase the chance of getting a good job after the service year. One could also learn trades and businesses or acquire a skill that would generate income. These would go a long way in helping the corper to be self-reliant and independent financially. It is said that opportunities come only once; and just like in the NYSC scheme, you can only serve once. So it is strongly advisable to take advantage of the opportunities of the one-year service before the year runs out. Remember, time waits for no one.

Daniel Ayodele