Some of the things you’ll read here are based on my personal experience at the NYSC camp in Bayelsa State.
Things might be a little different in other states so what worked for me might not work for you. In other words, Don’t take this as a fixed standard.
With that said, let’s get down to business.
The NYSC Camp Environment and Registration Procedure
My name is Chosen. (Don’t laugh 😂 please). As I mentioned earlier, I camped in Bayelsa State with 2025 Batch A’ Stream 1. The camp is called Boro Camp and it’s located in Boro Town, within the Kaima community in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area.
Bonus Tip: Check out the addresses of other NYSC camps in Nigeria.
The facilities at Boro Camp are quite commendable, and the lush green scenery (both within and outside the camp) adds to the vibe.
Lectures and social nights are held at the Pavilion located immediately after entrance into the camp. Since it is a pavilion, ventilation is expected to be 100% natural.
However, the pavilion can pass as an oven due to what I like to term “stagnant air” or the scorching sun. And when it rains, don’t expect much protection either (lol).
According to the NYSC Camp director, our batch had the highest number of registered corps members so far, which meant the seats weren’t enough even with extra arrangements.
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Accomodation at the NYSC Camp
The male hostel I stayed in was quite decent. The fans and lights worked perfectly and surprisingly. Even the sockets were functional but only in selected rooms and outside. The mattresses though were like pancakes. You could feel the bunk frame the moment you lie down.
The bathrooms were manageable too as long as corps members hadn’t messed them up, but the taps didn’t work. You’d have to go downstairs to fetch water.
P.S. Don’t expect clean water from the tap. The cleaners did show up every morning to clean the toilets. Sometimes, the whole room could chip in to buy a broom, bucket, and mop to keep things tidy.
The parade ground also doubles as the football field. There’s a decent volleyball court on the other side of it, and behind the male hostel, you’ll find the man o’ war drill equipment.
Be ready to walk a lot because the buildings are pretty far apart. Mammy Market is even the farthest of them all, and honestly, I feel like they did that on purpose.
Oh, and Bayelsa’s weather has serious mood swings. It can be scorching hot at 3:00 pm, and by 3:02 pm, it’s pouring like there’s no tomorrow. Brace yourself up!
How NYSC Camp Registration Works
Preparation is key, especially when it comes to registration. I registered on the same day as the swearing-in and it was a lot.
Here’s the process so you can be better prepared:
First, some officials will check your documents. These include your green card, call-up letter, addendum, school certificate or statement of result, ID card, and medical fitness certificate. They weren’t too strict about the ID card though.
What they usually look out for is whether your graduation date matches across the documents before they sign your call-up letter.
Next, you’ll confirm your thumbprint on their system. This is where you’ll get your state code as it will be written on your call-up letter. The last digit of your state code (0 – 9) determines your platoon, with zero being platoon 10.
If you want to be in the same platoon as a friend, don’t go registering one after the together. State codes are assigned sequentially which means it’s a different platoon for every registered person.
After that, you’ll submit your bank account details for the bicycle allowance. Going forward from here, you’ll be asked to open a new bank account. You won’t get to choose the bank on your own because it’s assigned based on platoon.
Finally, you’ll locate your platoon officer and fill out Form 2A along with some undertakings. After that, a file will be opened for you and you’ll receive your tag or full NYSC kit. This includes your khaki, crested vest, belt, jungle boots, socks, two white shirts, shorts, and white sneakers.
NB: If you care about your looks, it’s advisable you buy quality white shirts and shorts from home.
Take Note
There’s a big book they call the Book of Life where you’ll fill in some of your personal details. I’m not sure if it’s called the same thing in other camps, but keep an eye out for when and where you’ll be asked to fill it.
You might think this whole process is simple but don’t be fooled. I spent the entire day at the Pavilion trying to register.
Some people even spent two days before completing theirs.
Preparing for Camp the Right Way
Trust me, shege awaits you at NYSC camp, so it’s important to prepare yourself mentally for the stress and demands that come with the experience.
The fact that you’re reading this write-up is already a good step toward that mental preparation.
In addition, you can check out Local Man’s blog posts, ask current corps members questions (especially those serving in the state you’re posted to) or watch NYSC-related vlogs on platforms like YouTube or TikTok. These will give you a clearer idea of what to expect.
Next, ensure all your camp documents are ready. Double-check that the details on them are consistent. It’s also wise to make multiple photocopies so you’re not stranded during registration.
Also, don’t forget to get your personal kits. You can buy them online from trusted vendors or shop for them yourself at your local market.
For me, I got three white shirts, had a tailor sew three custom shorts, bought a pair of white rubber sneakers, and packed a few stationery items like pens, a stapler, a marker, a file, and an ID card holder. I also got a waist pouch and six pairs of green-striped white socks.
Being well-prepared makes NYSC camp a little less stressful.
👉 Want to look smart in camp? Message Fola for your quality and affordable NYSC kit.
Please, Take Provisions to Camp!
They warned me but I did strong head and ended up regretting it.
Having provisions is very important. You might need something to munch on before morning devotion or when you can’t get food from Mammy Market and you’re really hungry.
Also, don’t forget to take along a lasting power bank. Take essential medications too like paracetamol, malaria drugs, and flagyl. For toiletries, make sure you pack antiseptic (you’ll thank me later), toothpaste, bathing soap, and any other personal hygiene items you use.
A few extras like sunglasses, face towel, handkerchief, or even a portable fan will help you manage the heat. Don’t forget your perfume, body cream, and other basic self-care items.
It’s also a good idea to carry some casual clothes. As a church boy, I packed church clothes and shoes for the three Sundays in camp. I also took two casual outfits aside from what I wore on arrival.
And please, take enough underwear. There were actual cases of underwear theft in my camp.
Lastly, it wouldn’t hurt to start planning your travel early especially if you’re not working your posting or you’re hoping to be posted far from your current location. That way, you avoid last-minute stress.
But then again, who knows? NiMET might just decide to be unfortunate especially if you plan to travel by air.
NB: If you forget anything, you can always get it from Mammy Market. Just know that the prices can be outrageous. You can also print and photocopy your documents there if needed.
NYSC Camp Activities and Daily Routine
Camp activities are extremely rigorous. In fact, whatever stress you went through during your 4 or 5 years at the university might start to feel like child’s play in comparison.
The first week is usually the toughest but don’t worry, you’ll gradually adapt as the days go by.
Here’s what a typical day in orientation camp looks like:
- The day starts early with morning devotion and meditation by 5:00 am. However, you’re expected to be on the parade ground by 4:30 am or earlier.
- By 6:00 am, there are drills, sanitation exercises, and either sensitization lectures or language training classes, depending on the schedule for the day.
- Around 7:30 am, you’ll head to the kitchen for breakfast. Those who haven’t bathed yet usually use that time to return to the hostel and freshen up.
- By 9:00 am, everyone gathers at the Pavilion for lectures, briefings, and more sensitization sessions (lol). These usually run until 2:00 pm, with a short break around 12:00 pm so you can grab some snacks or refreshments.
- From 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, you’ll have some free time to eat lunch, rest, or take care of personal things. At 4:00 pm, everyone heads back to the parade ground for parade rehearsals. Some platoons also go for man o’ war drills during this time, usually dressed in their khaki.
- As the days go by, inter-platoon competitions like football, volleyball, and other sports begin. These activities typically run until about 6:30 pm which is when dinner is served.
- Finally, by 8:00 pm, it’s time for social night at the Pavilion. This is when inter-platoon competitions like drama, dance, and other fun events take place.
Social night is a great opportunity to showcase your talents. It’s also when exciting events like Mr Macho and Miss NYSC are held.
Note the following:
- Lights out is by 10:00 pm. At that point, you’re not expected to be at Mammy or anywhere far from your hostel. By 4:00 am, the lights come on to help you prepare for morning devotion.
- There’s something called Nigeria sleeping and waking up. It simply means hoisting and lowering the Nigerian flag at 6:00 am and 6:00 pm. Once it’s time, everyone is expected to stand at attention while the trumpet plays. Please don’t even think about moving during that time if you don’t want to get punished.
- On Sundays, there are no morning devotions. You’re free to rest and wear whatever you like until 2:00 pm. The normal schedule resumes by 4:00 pm with parade rehearsals.
- On Fridays, SAED lectures usually end early to allow Muslims attend Juma’at prayers.
NYSC Camp Tips to Make Life Easier
When the weather gets cold, you can wear your khaki jacket over your white-on-white or use any sweater or hoodie you brought. I heard some NYSC camps don’t allow coloured hoodies but in Bayelsa, people wore different colours.
Always wear your NYSC cap. You can misplace your white-on-white or even your rubber shoes, but don’t lose your cap. It’s a big deal in camp. If you ever get into trouble, soldiers or officials may seize your cap as punishment.
Also, prepare to be traumatised by the sound of whistles and the beagle. Whether you’re trying to rest at Mammy or just chilling in the hostel, that sharp annoying sound can come from anywhere. I still fidget whenever I hear a whistle.
Now, let’s talk about Mammy Market.
Whatever you need in NYSC camp is at Mammy. Anything at all. Just ask the right people and you’ll find it.
There’s even a private place for bathing and using the toilet but it comes at a fee. At Bayelsa camp, it cost N100 and it was totally worth it. That said, the regular bathrooms and toilets were usable too so I alternated between both.
Buy enough antiseptics from home. You’ll need it more than you think. From bathing to cleaning toilet seats, Dettol will be your best friend. I wish I brought the biggest size because mine finished way too fast.
How Much Should You Budget?
Money-wise, it depends on you. You could spend as little as N20,000 or as much as N200,000 in NYSC camp. It all depends on your lifestyle and how “body dey do you.”
You can read this article for Local Man’s insight on camp budgeting.
Some of the things that will definitely take money from your pocket include charging your devices, buying drinking water, platoon contributions, amending your kits, and other small expenses.
Everything else like laundry services, food from Mammy, or private toilets is up to you. Just spend within your limits and don’t pressure yourself. Cut your coat according to your material.
Also, don’t forget that banks and some organisations offer grants to corps members with solid business ideas. If you have a business plan, you might want to throw that into your bag too.
✅ Extra: Send a message to get your medical documents needed in camp.
Strategic Tips for NYSC Camp Success
You don’t need to join OBS or the Red Cross to avoid parades. Just mess up during rehearsals and you’ll be dropped.
But to be honest, the parade was one of the things I enjoyed most in camp. I don’t understand why people advise against it. If you have the stamina, please go for it.
If you want to charge your phone easily without relying on Mammy’s charging stations, join OBS or become friends with someone in OBS. It helps a lot.
When they say volunteering can help you get a better PPA, it’s true. I’m not the type to suck up to people so I didn’t “gum body” with any officials. But I still found ways to contribute and I ended up getting posted to a place I liked.
If befriending people works for you, go ahead but do it wisely.
Be Polite in Your Dealings
Whether it’s the soldiers, officials, or Mammy Market traders, treat everyone with courtesy. Your service year doesn’t end in camp. You might need someone’s help later on.
Some NYSC officials even disguise themselves as regular staff. You never know who could influence your posting, so always be kind.
Don’t let the white-on-white uniform deceive you. Many of your fellow corps members are already entrepreneurs or future big names. Make connections, ask questions, and learn from others.
And yes, NYSC camp is a great place to network.
Go With the Right Mindset
Whether you love it or hate it, NYSC camp is a defining part of your service year. Ignore the negative stories you’ve heard. Decide for yourself that your own experience will be worthwhile.
Go in with the right expectations, prepare well, and be open to learning, connecting, and growing.
If it ever gets too much, you can exit camp with a valid medical report. It’s better than breaking down halfway.
I hope this has been helpful. I wish you the very best in camp and an exciting service year ahead. You’ve got this!