A young Nigerian lady serving under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has gone viral after she tearfully revealed that she was posted to work in a bakery as her primary place of assignment (PPA), despite graduating with a degree in Mass Communication.
The corps member, identified on TikTok as @aridunu_jones, shared an emotional video expressing disbelief and disappointment over her posting. Her heartfelt reaction has since sparked widespread debate among Nigerians online, with many questioning the NYSC’s posting process and its relevance to graduates’ fields of study.
“I Studied Mass Communication, But NYSC Sent Me to a Bakery” — Corps Member Laments
In the emotional clip that has now gone viral, the corps member could be seen struggling to contain her frustration. She captioned the video with words that reflected her pain and confusion:
“Posting because life did not end when I studied Mass Communication, and NYSC sent me to a bakery. Wetin I never see for this NYSC journey?”
Her tone reflected the disappointment felt by many graduates who enter the NYSC program with high expectations, only to find themselves deployed to workplaces unrelated to their academic backgrounds.
The video struck a chord with thousands of Nigerians, drawing mixed reactions from both current corps members and alumni who have faced similar experiences during their service year.
Mixed Reactions Trail the Video as Nigerians Share Their Opinions
Following the video’s circulation on social media, Nigerians from all walks of life took to the comments section to share their thoughts. Some sympathized with the young lady, describing her experience as unfair and demotivating, while others advised her to take the situation in stride and find ways to make the most of the opportunity.
A user on TikTok encouraged her to view the posting as a learning experience, saying:
“Even though it’s not related to your course, you can still find something to do. Maybe handle their social media or help with branding. Every experience counts.”
Another commenter added:
“This is NYSC for you. Sometimes the postings don’t make sense, but just endure. You’ll laugh about it later.”
Meanwhile, others questioned the NYSC’s deployment system, urging the organization to reconsider its placement strategy and ensure that corps members are posted to places that match their qualifications and career paths.
Why Many Corps Members Complain About Posting Mismatches
The NYSC scheme, established in 1973 to foster national unity and encourage skill development among Nigerian graduates, often faces criticism over its posting policies. Each year, thousands of corps members lament being sent to schools, farms, or offices unrelated to their areas of specialization.
Experts believe that the issue stems from limited availability of relevant institutions or organizations within certain localities. As a result, the NYSC frequently places graduates in available private establishments, regardless of their academic discipline.
For instance, a graduate of Engineering may find themselves teaching in a secondary school, while a Mass Communication graduate may end up working in administrative offices or, as in this case, a bakery.
Public Outcry Over the Quality of NYSC Postings
The viral bakery posting has reignited discussions about the overall effectiveness of the NYSC program in achieving its intended goals. Many Nigerians argue that the system has drifted from its core purpose and no longer provides meaningful career experience for young graduates.
Some have also called for reforms that would make postings more structured and professional. Suggested reforms include introducing an automated matching system that aligns corps members’ courses of study with available job roles in host organizations.
Others proposed that private employers receiving corps members should undergo strict vetting to ensure they provide valuable skill-building opportunities, not just cheap labor.
An Emotional But Eye-Opening Experience
Despite the uproar, some Nigerians noted that experiences like these often teach resilience and adaptability—two essential traits for success in today’s unpredictable world. They encouraged the young corps member to stay positive, emphasizing that skills can be learned anywhere, even in the most unexpected environments.
Indeed, many success stories have emerged from NYSC postings that initially seemed irrelevant. Some former corps members have gone on to build successful businesses or careers based on skills they accidentally discovered during their service year.
NYSC’s Silence Sparks Further Reactions
As of now, the NYSC management has not issued any official response regarding the viral video or the controversy surrounding it. The silence has fueled more online discussions, with many demanding that the organization review its deployment procedures to prevent similar situations in the future.
Social media users continue to share their own stories of frustrating postings—ranging from being sent to farms, shops, and even unregistered companies—further emphasizing the need for transparency and reform in the NYSC system.
The Bigger Picture: Turning Disappointment into Opportunity
While the young lady’s frustration is understandable, some netizens believe her situation could still lead to something positive. A few experienced professionals advised her to explore creative ways to make use of her communication skills within the bakery setting—perhaps by managing the brand’s online presence, documenting production processes, or creating marketing content.
This, they argue, could turn what seems like a misfortune into a stepping stone toward a stronger professional portfolio.
Conclusion
The story of the Mass Communication graduate posted to a bakery serves as yet another reminder of the gaps within the NYSC posting system. It highlights the struggles of young Nigerians who dream of applying their university training but find themselves in roles that seem unrelated to their studies.
Yet, it also underscores the need for adaptability, resilience, and creativity—qualities that every corps member must learn to thrive in Nigeria’s challenging job environment.
As debates continue, many hope this viral story will prompt the NYSC to review its deployment strategy and create a more meaningful service experience that truly benefits both corps members and their host communities.
