The SAED Class That Changed My Financial Life in NYSC Orientation Camp

It all started during my NYSC orientation camp in Benue State. The plenty activities—early morning drills, endurance treks, and lectures. Among all these, the SAED (Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurial Development) classes was my best(a very unpopular opinion) 

Initially, I wasn’t too keen on attending, seeing it as just another mandatory program. Little did I know that a three-week SAED class would become a turning point in my financial life.

On the first day of SAED registration, the options were much and i was confused —catering, fashion design, digital marketing, coding, and more. My ears tingled when the facilitator mentioned web development. A tech enthusiast at heart, I decided to give it a shot, even if i knew nothing about web development. 

The sessions were beginner-friendly and practical. Our facilitator, Mr. Tolu, had a way of breaking down complex tech jargon into relatable English 😂. 

“With just a laptop and an internet connection, you can build websites and earn in dollars,” he said. That line stayed with me. 

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How to start up a tech career as an NYSC member 

We started with the basics: HTML and CSS. By the second week, we were creating simple, responsive web pages. I felt like a tech wizard, typing out lines of code and seeing them transform into something visual and functional. Although the time felt short.

What I loved most about the class was the focus on practical skills. Mr. Tolu shared resources like free online courses and platforms where we could hone our skills after camp. He also introduced us to freelance websites like Fiverr and Upwork, explaining how web developers were in high demand globally. It was eye-opening to realize that I could leverage this skill to earn not just in naira but in foreign currencies.

Post-camp, I took Mr. Tolu’s advice seriously. I dedicated my CDS days to improving my web development skills. I dived into JavaScript and explored frameworks like Bootstrap. It wasn’t easy balancing PPA duties with learning, but the determination to create a better financial future kept me going. I got so lean at some point and some friends said "na you wan serve Naija na"

Within three months, I built my first website for a local business—a simple functional e-commerce platform. The owner was thrilled, and I was paid ₦50,000 for the project.

Fast forward to a year later, I now have a steady stream of clients, both locally and internationally. From designing websites for startups to building blogs for individuals, my income has significantly improved. What started as a mandatory SAED class turned into a thriving side hustle.

Reflecting on the journey, I realize the SAED initiative isn’t just another NYSC activity; it’s a gateway to self-reliance. The web development skill I picked up not only empowered me financially but also gave me a sense of purpose.

To my fellow corps members, don’t sleep on SAED! Explore the tech options—it might seem intimidating at first, but with consistency and passion, you can build a skill that changes your life. Remember, the future is digital, and there’s no better time to start than now.

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