Insight

• Ikiodiete George
• 5 Min Read

Things To Expect At Nysc Orientation Camp (2025): A Preparation Guide For New Corps Members

Congratulations! You’ve made it through clearance wahala, Senate list tension, and probably that family member who keeps asking, “When are you going to serve?”

Now it’s time for the real show—NYSC Orientation Camp. This is the beginning of your service year, and trust me, nothing truly prepares you for it… but this blog comes close. 

Whether you're heading to camp in Lagos, Kano, Abia, or a mystery destination, let’s break it all down for you: the highs, the lows, and the downright shocking things that nobody ever tells you.

1. Camp Life Is Military Life — No Joke

First things first, the NYSC camp is run like a military barracks. You’ll be under the command of soldiers, man o’ war officials, and NYSC staff who don’t joke with discipline.

Wake-up time? 4:30am.
Lights out? Around 10pm (but you might still be hustling for bathroom space by then).

Expect drills, morning parades, and endless “Double up corper! Double up!”

Don’t argue, don’t drag, just obey. You’ll survive.

2. Your NYSC Kit Will Not Fit You—99.9% Guaranteed

They’ll hand you:

• One oversized khaki (you’ll fold it like puff puff)
• Jungle boots that feel like punishment
• A white-on-white combo (that will never be white after 3 days)
• Face cap, belt, crested vest

Pro Tip: Bring a tailor to camp if you can. Or better yet, take needle and thread. You will need to “slim-fit” your kit if you want to snap fine camp pictures.

3. Hostel Life Is Survival of the Fittest

You’ll live in a big hall packed with 20–50+ strangers. The bed? A metal bunk that creaks like it’s about to give up on life.

Here’s what you need:

• Mosquito net (not for vibe, but survival)
• Thick wrapper or small duvet (the cold at 4am is spiritual)
• Padlock (trust issues are allowed)
• Bucket + fetcher (don’t ask why, just bring it)

Also, prepare for:

• Queues to fetch water
• Sharing sockets like it’s gold
• Early morning “corper, abeg wake up we dey late!”

4. Camp Food Will Humble You

The food served in most camps is... let’s just say “experience-building.” From rice with water-colored stew to beans that can solve constipation.

That’s why every wise corper does one of three things:

1. Join the mami market gang (they sell everything, but at triple the price).
2. Come with provisions: Garri, cereal, bread, sardines.
3. Get a small cooking stove (if allowed) or hustle with those who have.

Pro Tip: Pack snacks like cabin biscuits, chin chin, and groundnut for emergency rescue.

5. Morning Parade Is Mandatory (Even If You Hate It)

Wake up. Wear your white-on-white. Rush to the parade ground. That’s your new life for 21 days.

You’ll match like you're training for the army. If you slack, expect shouts like:

• “Corper! What kind of nonsense is that?”
• “Do you want to faint on the parade ground?”

But secretly? You might start enjoying it after one week. It builds discipline, unity… and muscles you didn’t know you had.

6. Registration Is Serious Business

Your first 2 days in camp are for registration marathon. You’ll be jumping from:

• NYSC verification table
• Thumbprint station
• Kit collection point
• Bank verification
• Accommodation allocation

Please come with enough photocopies of:

• Call-up letter (original & 10 copies)
• Green card
• Passport photographs (at least 12)
• Statement of result or certificate

7. Camp Drills and Man O’ War Will Stretch You

Climbing ropes, crawling in mud, team bonding games… all under the sun.

If you think it’s like secondary school sports day, you’re in for a shock. These soldiers will scream at you like you joined the army by mistake.

Still, it’s part of the NYSC experience—and it actually builds confidence and teamwork.

8. There Will Be Fun Activities — If You Show Up

NYSC camp is not all shouting and sweating. There’s fun too!

You’ll get to join:

• Dance, drama, and singing competitions
• Debate & quiz groups
• Mr. Macho and Miss NYSC (yes, real titles)
• Campfire night (the most emotional day)

Hint: Participating might earn you “Platoon Star” or even reduce your stress with officials.

9. Network Signal & Light Will Play Hide and Seek

Some camps are located in areas where signal is as weak as your first CDS allowance.

Prepare to:

• Climb hilltops to post on Instagram
• Walk around camp searching for “network spot”
• Charge your phone with power banks or at Mami market (₦100–₦300)

Don’t depend on electricity. Come with power banks, solar lamps, or small rechargeable fans.

10. Medical Support Is Available, But Come Prepared

Each camp has a clinic, but don’t expect 5-star hospital treatment.

Come with your personal meds like:

• Malaria drugs
• Painkillers
• Inhalers (if asthmatic)
• Multivitamins
• First aid stuff

If you have allergies or special health needs, write it down and carry a medical report. It helps during posting and redeployment.

11. SAED (Skills Acquisition) May Be the Most Useful Class You Attend

After parade, you’ll be asked to join SAED training: a platform for learning tech, business, and trade skills.

Options include:

• Fashion design
• Shoe making
• Web design
• Agro-business
• Makeup, soap, snacks production

Don’t sleep on it. Some corpers start earning before POP just from what they learn here.

Summary Table: Camp Essentials Checklist

Bonus Tip: You Can Start Hustling From Camp

Yes o! People are already making money from:

• Selling drinks, snacks, phone accessories
• Typing redeployment letters
• Shoemaking, barbing, braiding hair
• Social media content

If you have a small hustle, don’t be shy—camp is your first market. Just package yourself well.

Friendships & Networking: Don’t Be a Lone Wolf

You’re meeting people from:

• All 36 states of Nigeria
• Different tribes and faiths
• Diverse life experiences

This is your chance to build friendships, business links, even meet the one.

So drop the “I’m too serious” energy. Be open. Be respectful. Enjoy it.

What Happens After Orientation Camp?

You’ll be:

1. Posted to your Place of Primary Assignment (PPA).
2. Possibly redeployed if your request is approved.
3. Expected to start your NYSC year proper.

This is when real adulting begins.

Final Thoughts

NYSC Orientation Camp is a rollercoaster. You’ll sweat, laugh, maybe cry a little, and definitely grow.

No matter where you're posted:

• Embrace the experience
• Don’t carry Lagos mentality to Kogi
• Be humble, smart, and safe

The 21 days will pass fast. And by the time you hear “Camp is over! Go to your PPA!” you’ll be like, “Aww, I’ll miss this mad house.”