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Ikiodiete George
- 3 Min Read
Top 10 Best And Worst States For Your Service Year: Nysc State Guide For 2025
“Congratulations, you’ve been posted to…”
Pause. Deep breath. One look at your NYSC call-up letter and your mood switches — you're either screaming for joy or Googling ‘how to apply for NYSC redeployment fast.’
Let’s face it: your NYSC posting can be a game-changer. It can bless you with juicy job connections, sweet state allawee, and soft life — or throw you into a village where the only ‘data’ is the one in your head.
So if you're still choosing your preferred states or preparing mentally for the one NYSC picks for you, this 2025 NYSC state guide is the realest breakdown of the top 10 best and worst states for NYSC service year.
Top 10 Best States for NYSC in 2025
These are states that consistently offer:
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High state allawee
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Job or network opportunities
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Security and decent infrastructure
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Access to urban lifestyle or career paths
Best States to Serve in Nigeria (2025)
| Rank | State | Why It’s Great |
| 1️⃣ | Lagos | Highest private sector jobs, ₦15k–₦25k state allawee in some PPAs, vibrant lifestyle |
| 2️⃣ | Abuja (FCT) | Federal job opportunities, well-planned city, safe, great networking |
| 3️⃣ | Akwa Ibom | Clean city, ₦10k state allowance, peaceful, friendly locals, great food |
| 4️⃣ | Ogun | Close to Lagos, good roads, neat cities, decent PPA pay |
| 5️⃣ | Anambra | Active business zone, ₦8k–₦10k state allawee, vibrant Igbo community |
| 6️⃣ | Cross River | Tourist appeal, good living conditions, beautiful environment |
| 7️⃣ | Delta | ₦10k state pay, stable electricity in some areas, youth-friendly |
| 8️⃣ | Oyo (Ibadan) | Affordable living, rich culture, peaceful vibe |
| 9️⃣ | Enugu | Friendly people, safe, ₦3,800 monthly, affordable lifestyle |
| 🔟 | Rivers (PH) | ₦15k for science corps members, industrial hub, though some areas require caution |
Top 10 Worst States for NYSC in 2025
Let’s be honest — not every state is ready for your Gen Z energy. These states struggle with:
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Insecurity or insurgency
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Poor living conditions
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Zero state allawee
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Harsh weather or language barriers
Worst NYSC States in 2025
| Rank | State | Why It’s Tough |
| 1️⃣ | Borno | High insecurity due to insurgency, limited social life |
| 2️⃣ | Yobe | Similar security issues, harsh weather, very rural |
| 3️⃣ | Zamfara | Banditry concerns, not ideal for first-time travelers |
| 4️⃣ | Kebbi | Extremely rural, culture shock for city-bred corpers |
| 5️⃣ | Bauchi | Hot climate, language barrier, minimal career opportunities |
| 6️⃣ | Katsina | Bandit activity in some areas, low state infrastructure |
| 7️⃣ | Nasarawa | ₦5,000 state pay but remote lifestyle |
| 8️⃣ | Taraba | ₦6,000 pay, but tough terrain and unpredictable conditions |
| 9️⃣ | Kogi | No state pay, limited urban areas, poor infrastructure |
| 🔟 | Sokoto | ₦4,000 pay but intense heat, language barrier, cultural rigidity |
Disclaimer: These rankings don’t mean you’ll suffer in these states — many corpers actually enjoy their time in remote places, depending on your mindset. But you need to be mentally and physically ready.
Bonus: NYSC State Allawee Comparison (2025)
| State | Monthly State Allowance |
| Lagos | ₦15,000 – ₦25,000 |
| Rivers | ₦15,000 |
| Akwa Ibom | ₦10,000 |
| Delta | ₦10,000 |
| Jigawa | ₦10,000 |
| Anambra | ₦8,000 – ₦10,000 |
| Enugu | ₦3,800 |
| Taraba | ₦6,000 |
| Kano | ₦5,000 |
| Osun | ₦3,000 |
Tips for Choosing or Surviving Your NYSC State
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Choose a blend of South and North when filling the NYSC form. Don’t just pick 4 Southern states — NYSC will drag you to the bush.
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Focus on employability & connectivity. Lagos, Abuja, Ogun, and Delta give you chances for real jobs or remote work.
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If you’re health-challenged, avoid harsh environments. Extreme heat or rural areas with poor medical access can be risky.
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Leverage redeployment wisely. If you end up where you're not comfortable, apply for a change early with legit documents.
Final Thoughts
Whether you end up in a tech hub in Lagos or a remote village in Yobe, one thing is clear — your mindset will shape your NYSC experience.
The best states give you more freedom, money, and exposure. The worst? They test your patience, resilience, and adaptability.
But whichever state you serve in 2025, remember:
NYSC na one year, but the experience can set you up for life.
So shine your eye, plan your moves, and collect your allowee like a focused Nigerian graduate.
