If you are a law student in Nigeria, you might be wondering if you have to participate in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program after graduating from your university.
The NYSC is a one-year mandatory service scheme for Nigerian graduates who are below 30 years of age. It aims to foster national unity, patriotism, and skills development among the youths.
In this blog post, we will answer the question of whether law students go for NYSC service, and explain the requirements and benefits of doing so.
What is the NYSC program?
The NYSC program was established by the Nigerian government in 1973, during the Nigerian Civil War. The primary aim of the NYSC program is to promote unity, understanding, and national integration among Nigerians.
This mandatory one-year program targets fresh university graduates. However, some exceptions are applicable, such as being older than 30 years at the time of graduation or having a legitimate excuse.
The NYSC program consists of three phases: orientation, primary assignment, and passing out. During the orientation phase, corps members undergo a three-week training camp, where they learn about the culture, history, and challenges of their host state.
They also engage in physical exercises, drills, lectures, and social activities. At the end of the orientation, corps members are posted to their places of primary assignment (PPA), where they are expected to work and contribute to the development of their host communities.
The PPA could be in the public or private sector, depending on the availability and suitability of the corps members.
During the primary assignment, corps members also participate in community development service (CDS), where they initiate and execute projects that address the needs of their host communities.
The passing out phase marks the end of the NYSC program, where corps members receive their discharge certificates and are officially released from national service.
Requirements for law students to go for NYSC service
Law students, like other graduates from Nigerian tertiary institutions, are required to participate in the NYSC program.
However, they have to complete their Nigerian Law School (NLS) program first. The NLS is a one-year professional training course that prepares law graduates for the bar examination and legal practice in Nigeria.
It is compulsory for anyone who wants to become a lawyer in Nigeria.
Therefore, to become a lawyer in Nigeria, you will need to study for a total of seven years. You will spend five years earning a law degree in an accredited faculty at any higher institution in Nigeria.
After that, you will have one year for NLS and another year for NYSC. You cannot do NLS and NYSC at the same time, nor can you do NYSC before NLS. You have to follow this sequence: Law degree -> NLS -> NYSC.
After completing NLS, you will have to sit for an examination called the bar examination. If you pass, you will receive a certificate to practice law in Nigeria and will be called to the bar. Remember, if you fail the bar examination, you will have to wait for another year to retake it.
Benefits of going for NYSC service as a law student
Going for NYSC service as a law student has several benefits, such as:
- It gives you an opportunity to serve your country and contribute to national development.
- It exposes you to different cultures, people, and environments, and broadens your perspective and understanding of Nigeria.
- It enhances your skills, knowledge, and experience in various fields and sectors, and prepares you for the challenges of the legal profession.
- It provides you with a platform to network with other professionals, mentors, and potential employers, and opens up doors for career opportunities and advancement.
- It enables you to apply your legal knowledge and skills to address the legal needs and issues of your host communities, and make a positive impact on their lives.
- It grants you access to some incentives and privileges, such as monthly allowance, accommodation, transportation, health care, and security.
Conclusion
The NYSC program is an indispensable element of the legal education and career path in Nigeria. Without it, you cannot practice law in Nigeria, and without law practice, you cannot advance in your legal career.
Therefore, you need to ensure that you complete your NLS program and pass your bar examination before the NYSC registration deadline. If you do, you can proceed with the NYSC service and enjoy the benefits that come with it.
Remember, the NYSC program is a great opportunity to serve your country and gain valuable skills and experience. Don’t miss it because of the NLS program.