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By Joshua Babatunde
- In Business IT Solution Technology
A CORPER WHO PLANS TODAY WILL NOT CHASE TOMORROW
Life After NYSC: The Power of Early Preparation
Life after NYSC is one of the most defining seasons in the journey of a young Nigerian graduate. It marks the transition from structured service life to the real-world responsibilities of career, finances, and personal development. Yet many corps members approach this stage unprepared, hoping that things will simply fall into place after POP. But the truth is clear: the future belongs to the corper who plans today.
Just like the proverb says, “A Corper Who Plans Today Will Not Chase Tomorrow.” This simple statement carries deep wisdom. It teaches that success after service is not a product of luck or connection alone it is the result of intentional preparation.
Planning Today: What Does It Mean?
- Building Skills Before POP
The few months of NYSC are not just for collection of allowee or taking pictures in khaki. They are a perfect time to learn digital skills, vocational skills, or professional certifications.
Skills like graphics design, data analysis, project management, web development, fashion, and baking can open doors you never imagined. A corper who learns today won’t be stranded when the uniform comes off.
- Financial Discipline
Many corps members spend their allowee on cravings rather than goals. But the wise corper knows that small savings today can become capital tomorrow.
Financial planning includes:
- Saving a portion of your allowance
- Avoiding unnecessary debts
- Starting a side hustle
- Learning how money works
Tomorrow becomes easier when today is managed wisely.
- Networking and Relationships
The people you meet during NYSC PPAs, CDS leaders, fellow corps members, community leaders may become:
- Referees
- Job recommenders
- Business partners
- Mentors
A corper who builds positive relationships during service rarely walks alone after POP.
- Clarity of Purpose
Many ex-corpers feel lost because they never used their service year to reflect on what they truly want. Planning today means asking:
- Where do I see myself in 5 years?
- What field do I want to grow in?
- What steps must I take now?
Purpose guides progress.
Avoiding the Chase of Tomorrow
Those who fail to plan end up chasing:
- Jobs
- Money
- Direction
- Stability
- Relevance
But those who plan early attract opportunities because they have prepared themselves to be valuable.
Preparing today means that when NYSC ends, you won’t panic you will pivot. You won’t chase you will choose. You won’t fear you will face life with confidence.
Conclusion: Start Now
Life may be uncertain, but planning gives you a head start. As a corper, your greatest gift is time, and the best time to prepare for tomorrow is today.
If you embrace this wisdom, you will step out of NYSC not as someone desperate for direction, but as someone equipped, empowered, and ready for the next chapter.
Remember the proverb:
“A Corper Who Plans Today Will Not Chase Tomorrow.”
Make the decision today that your tomorrow will not be a struggle.