My ppa experience was like ........ Just read and join me to laugh......😂

I initially viewed NYSC as an opportunity to serve my country, gain valuable experience, meet new people, and perhaps enjoy the experience along the way. I did not realize that my Place of Primary Assignment (PPA) had already written a very different script for me.

On my first day at my PPA, I arrived early, properly dressed, and proudly wearing my NYSC cap. I was smiling like someone who had just secured a permanent position.

My supervisor looked at me and said, “Welcome. You are now part of the family.”

I smiled.

Three hours later, I understood that “family” meant unpaid labour.

By 8:00 a.m., I was already working. By 10:00 a.m., I had received enough assignments to keep me occupied until the next batch of corps members arrived. Every time I completed one task, another one appeared.

“Please help me with this.”

“Before you leave, do this as well.”

“Since you are here, quickly handle this.”

At some point, I began to wonder whether my NYSC posting letter had accidentally been replaced with an employment contract.

Then came the transportation challenges.

My monthly allowance entered my account with confidence and left with even greater confidence. Some days, after paying for transportation to and from work, I would look at my balance and ask myself:

“What exactly am I serving—the nation or my transport company?”

One particular day, there was no electricity, and the internet stopped working. I thought, “At least work will be reduced today.”

I was wrong.

My supervisor simply said, “No electricity? No problem. Find another way.”

That was the day I discovered that NYSC could develop supernatural abilities in a person.

Eventually, I began counting down the days to my Passing Out Parade (POP) like someone counting down to freedom.

Despite the stress, demanding workload, expensive transportation, and unforgettable experiences, my PPA taught me something important: sometimes, the funniest stories in life come from situations that almost made you cry.

Looking back now, I can laugh about it.

However, if I ever hear someone say, “Your PPA is an opportunity,” I will smile politely and say:

“Yes… an opportunity to discover strengths I never knew I had.” 🇳🇬

It's a story I will probably be telling years after my khaki has left my wardrobe