NYSC: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT NYSC ORIENTATION CAMP 2024

 BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO THE NYSC PROGRAM

   The Nigeria Youth Service Corp is a mandatory program for all Nigerian graduate to serve the country and It aims to foster national unity between different culture, patriotism, and skills development among the youth. 

   The National Youth Service Corps Year comprises of four (4) main segments in which every Corps Members must satisfactorily participate before he/she is qualified to be issued a certificate of National Service. The service year therefore comprises of:
1. Orientation Course
2. Primary Assignment
3. Community Development Service
4. Winding – Up/Passing –out

    Our focus on this article is the Orientation Camp, which is the first and most interesting part of the NYSC program, If you need other information about the other parts, you can check our other article.  The orientation phase lasts for three weeks and takes place in a camp designated by the NYSC authorities. The Orientation course comprises of different fun activities like social nights, lectures, parade, sport activities,etc which will be talked about in this article. 

WHAT ARE THE IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS/ITEMS YOU NEED TO TAKE TO YOUR ORIENTATION CAMP?
    You need to take the following document to your respective orientation camp:

1.Your Call-up Letter: is a document that shows your state of deployment, orientation camp address, and reporting date. You can print your call-up letter from your NYSC portal dashboard once it is notified its out.

2. Your Green Card:  is a document that contains your personal and academic details. Which can be printed from your NYSC portal dashboard immediately after registering. 

3. Your School ID Card: this will serve as a valid means of identification, it’s very important you get your ID card photocopy.

4. Your Statement of Result/Certificate: is a document that shows your academic qualification and degree. You can choose to use your statement of result if your certificate is not ready. 

5. Your Medical Fitness Certificate: this is a document that shows a medical proof that your healthy and strong to partake in the NYSC Orientation Course, Make sure the date it is done is closer to the date you're reporting to camp, at most less than 3month difference.

6. Your Passport: make sure you have at take 12 passport to your Orientation Camp, as its will be much needed.

    Make at least 4 photocopy each of all this documents before going to camp, to avoid spending so much on printing in camp.

WHAT ARE THE ACTIVITIES IN THE ORIENTATION CAMP?
    The orientation camp is a place where you will learn new things, connect with new people of different culture and also have fun. Some of the activities that you will engage in during the orientation camp are:

1. Registration and Verification: This is the first activity that you will do when you arrive at the camp. You will be required to present your documents and items for verification and registration. You will also be assigned a platoon number, accomodation, and a kit, which consists of a pair of white shorts, a pair of white shoes, two white T-shirts, and a cap. Also be aware you might not be given your size, you could hang around and get it exchanged among your other prospective corpers or communicate that in your platoon group. You will also be given a meal ticket, which you will use to get your food from the camp kitchen.

2. Swearing in: This is the official commencement of the orientation course, which usually takes place on the second day of the camp. The opening ceremony is attended by the NYSC officials, the state governor, the camp commandant, and other dignitaries. You will be required to wear your full kit and march in your platoons to the parade ground, where you will recite the NYSC anthem and pledge(you will be taught), and listen to the speeches and goodwill messages from the guests.

3. Military drills and parade: This is one of the main activities that you will do throughout the orientation course, which most PCM find tasking. You will be trained by the military officers on how to march, salute, obey commands, and handle emergencies. You will also participate in the daily parade, which takes place every morning and evening at the parade ground. The parade is a way of instilling discipline, punctuality, and teamwork among the corps members.

4. Lectures and workshops: This is another important activity that you will do during the orientation course. You will attend lectures and workshops on various topics, such as the NYSC scheme, the culture and history of your state of deployment, the security and health tips, the entrepreneurship and skill acquisition programs, the community development service, and the code of conduct and discipline. You will also have the opportunity to interact with the resource persons and ask questions.

5. Social and cultural activities: This is the most fun and relaxing part of the orientation course. You will enjoy various social and cultural activities, such as the welcome party, the cultural day, the carnival, the bonfire night, the Miss NYSC and Mr Macho contests, the talent hunt, the sports and games, the drama and comedy shows, and the farewell party. You will also have the chance to showcase your talents and creativity, and mingle with other corps members and camp officials.

6. Passing out parade: This is the official end of the orientation course, which usually takes place on the last day of the camp. The swearing-in ceremony is attended by the NYSC officials, the state governor, the chief judge, and other dignitaries. You will be required to wear your full kit and march in your platoons to the parade ground, where you will take the oath of allegiance and receive your posting letters. You will also listen to the closing remarks and advice from the guests.

WHAT ARE THE PERSONAL ITEMS NEEDED FOR THE ORIENTATION CAMP

   The following items should be taken to the orientation camp so as to make camp easier and more comfortable:

1. Footwear: White tennis shoes (preferably cork) and rubber slip-on shoes.

2. Hygiene Essentials: Antiseptics, toiletries, towels.

3. Bedding: Sheets, pillowcases, pillows, blankets or wrappers.

4. Dining: A food flask, cup, spoon, and dishwashing soap.

5. Stationery: Pens, papers, and a file jacket.

6. Tech: Flashlight/chargeable lamp, phone charger, and power bank.

7. Miscellaneous: Money/ATM card, white T-shirt, mosquito net (treated), underclothes, a small waist bag, white shorts and socks, locks.

Important Note: Laptops, hair clippers, TVs, and sharp objects are strictly prohibited. These will be held at the gate and returned at the end of camp. The camp shop usually sells forgotten essentials, so avoid overpacking.

With these tips, you’re well on your way to a successful NYSC camp registration and a rewarding service year!