From Corper to Ex-Corper: Morrison Chinonso’s NYSC Journey of Growth, Film Production and Opportunity

From Corper to Ex-Corper: Morrison Chinonso’s NYSC Journey of Growth, Film Production and Opportunity

“Don’t just go there to survive the year. Go there to grow!”

For Morrison Chinonso, an actor and newly discharged corps member, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) was much more than a compulsory year of national service. It was a season of personal growth, professional development, meaningful friendships and opportunities that extended beyond the orientation camp.

Now officially an ex-corper, Morrison is looking back on a journey he describes as bittersweet, one that taught him valuable lessons and opened doors he is genuinely grateful for.

And yes, there was the afro.

The Afro That Started It All

Every corps member has a story about camp, but Morrison’s experience came with a particularly painful sacrifice: cutting his full afro.

In his own words, he is still not entirely sure he has recovered from the trauma.

It is a humorous reminder that the NYSC experience often begins with adjustments. From adapting to camp routines to embracing new environments, corps members quickly discover that service year comes with unexpected changes.

But for Morrison, the haircut was only a small part of a much bigger story.

More Than a Year of National Service

Beyond the initial adjustments, Morrison found something more valuable during his service year: people, experiences and opportunities that helped him grow.

He made amazing friends who became like family in a remarkably short period. He also discovered opportunities to learn new skills, explore his interests and develop professionally.

These connections and experiences became an important part of his NYSC story, reinforcing the idea that the people you meet and the opportunities you pursue can make your service year especially meaningful.

Building a Film Production Business as a Corper

One of the most notable milestones in Morrison’s journey was starting his own film production while still serving as a corps member.

For someone pursuing a career in acting and the creative industry, taking steps towards building a production business during NYSC was a significant achievement.

His experience offers an important lesson for young people: national service does not necessarily mean putting your ambitions on hold.

With initiative, planning and a willingness to learn, the service year can become an opportunity to explore business ideas, develop professional skills and lay the foundation for future ventures.

Morrison’s story is a reminder that you do not always have to wait until your service year ends before taking your goals seriously.

Five Professional Courses and Better Access to Healthcare

Morrison also benefited from opportunities that supported his professional and personal development.

During his service year, he took five professional courses at discounted rates, giving him access to additional learning opportunities at reduced costs.

He also enjoyed better access to healthcare through the NYSC health insurance scheme, another benefit he appreciated during his time in service.

These experiences highlight why corps members should make an effort to understand the opportunities and benefits available to them rather than focusing exclusively on their primary assignments.

Sometimes, the value of NYSC lies not only in the work you do but also in the resources you discover and the skills you acquire along the way.

Exploring Ibadan Through Culture and Tourism

Morrison’s NYSC experience was not all about work and professional development. It also gave him an opportunity to explore the beautiful ancient city of Ibadan through his Community Development Service (CDS) group, which focused on culture and tourism.

Through this experience, he had the opportunity to engage with the cultural and historical richness of his host community.

For corps members posted to unfamiliar locations, joining an active CDS group can provide a practical way to explore their environment, meet people with shared interests and contribute to activities beyond their primary place of assignment.

A new posting may initially feel unfamiliar, but it can also become an invitation to discover places, traditions and experiences you might otherwise never have encountered.

Learning Business Innovation From NLNG CEO Adeleye “Leye” Falade

Another highlight of Morrison’s service year was the opportunity to learn about business innovation and invention at no cost from NLNG CEO Adeleye “Leye” Falade himself.

For Morrison, this was one of the experiences that made his NYSC journey particularly memorable.

Access to learning opportunities, especially those that expose young people to new ideas about business and innovation, can help broaden their perspectives and inspire them to think differently about their careers.

His experience reinforces a valuable point: corps members should remain alert to training programmes, learning sessions and other opportunities that can expand their knowledge and help them prepare for life after service.

The Real Value of NYSC: Learning, Growth and Connections

Looking back, Morrison sees his NYSC experience as much more than a year of national service.

It was a season of learning, growth, connections and opportunities. From starting a film production to taking professional courses, exploring Ibadan and learning about business innovation, he found ways to make the year count.

His journey illustrates how two corps members can experience the same programme differently depending on how they approach the opportunities available to them.

The service year may come with stress, uncertainty and uncomfortable adjustments, but it can also provide room to build friendships, explore interests and prepare for the next chapter of life.

Morrison Chinonso’s Advice to Incoming Corps Members

For those preparing to begin their NYSC journey, Morrison has a simple but powerful message:

“Don’t just go there to survive the year. Go there to grow!”

His advice is straightforward:

• Make meaningful friendships. The people you meet may become lifelong friends, collaborators or part of your professional network.
• Learn new skills. Take advantage of professional courses, training sessions and other opportunities to improve yourself.
• Explore your host community. Learn about its culture, history and people instead of limiting your experience to camp and your place of primary assignment.
• Build connections. Engage with people, participate in useful activities and remain open to learning from others.
• Take advantage of available opportunities. Be curious enough to discover what your service year has to offer.
• Take pictures! As Morrison puts it, you will need evidence that you survived the stress.

These lessons are especially relevant to corps members who want to leave NYSC with more than a certificate. A year spent building skills, relationships and practical experience can help create a stronger foundation for what comes next.

A Grateful Ex-Corper, Ready for the Next Chapter

As Morrison closes this chapter of his life, he expresses genuine gratitude to NYSC for the memories, lessons and opportunities he experienced.

His story is a celebration of what can happen when a young person chooses to look beyond the challenges of service and actively pursue opportunities for growth.

From the sacrifice of his beloved afro to the launch of his film production, from professional training to new friendships, his journey captures the bittersweet but rewarding nature of the NYSC experience.

To every incoming corps member, the message is clear: do not merely count down the days until your passing-out parade. Make the days count.

Learn something. Build something. Meet people. Explore. Document the journey.

And when your time finally comes to say, “I’m officially an ex-corper,” make sure you have a story worth telling.

Congratulations to Morrison Chinonso on completing his NYSC journey. Here’s to the next chapter!

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