10 Things You Should Know Before Going Into NYSC Camp

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is a one-year programme observed by graduates of tertiary institutions in Nigeria which is aimed at promoting national unity, and sensitizing and preparing young Nigerians for the labour market.

The NYSC orientation camp is the starting point for the one-year-long youth service programme. It is the 21 days set aside to drill, prepare and enlighten graduates on the journey ahead.

The orientation is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that involves meeting and learning from people from every tribe in Nigeria. It is also where your tag changes from being a 'prospective corps member' to a 'corps member.' 

Below are 10 things you should know and do before going into the orientation camp:

1. It is pertinent to go along with the original copy and photocopies of your Green Card and Call Up Letter because, without them, registration in the camp will be impossible. Besides, making photocopies in camp is very expensive.

2. Make sure you are armed with the original copy of your tertiary school certificate and school identification card.

3. A medical fitness certificate from a recognised public health center is now a requirement to be allowed to stay in camp. In addition, recent passport photographs are highly useful.

4. For foreign-trained students, you need to have with you the following: International Passport, Residence Permit, Academics Transcript, WAEC Certificate, Tertiary School Certificate, and School Identification Card

5. Be prepared for early morning and evening parades in your grouped platoons. Platoons are groups where collective  Corps Members would be required to work as a team.

6. For medically-trained students, you are expected to go along with the original copy of your license and registration certificate.

7. For married women, go with all documents evidencing their married status. These include; Marriage Certificate, Photocopy of your husband's work identification card, Newspaper publication of change of name from Miss to Mrs, original or photocopy of utility bills from your husband's place of residence, and a domicile letter.

8. Nursing mothers or pregnant women would not be allowed to stay in camp after the registration process.

9. It is only after a successful camp registration that you would be handed your NYSC kits. The kit has your crested vest, khaki trousers, jacket, cap, belt, socks, white canvas, and jungle boots.

10. Lastly, go with additional apparel because 21 days is quite a long stay. Go with extra white t-shirts, shorts, white rubber shoes, a water bottle, and a waist purse to keep your belongings safe.

Note that no amount of words can precisely describe the camping experience. Go into the camp with an open mind to enjoy yourself.

As earlier stated, you get to meet and network with a lot of people from across Nigeria and make lifelong friends.