My name is Damilare, a corps member that served in Imo State with the 2025 Batch A Stream II set. This is a documentation of my experience at the Imo State NYSC camp.
From what I’ve gathered talking to friends in other states, the NYSC camps across the country follow the same routine. But still, each camp has its own feel.
I’m sharing this in the most honest way so that prospective corps members and even undergraduates can get a clearer picture of what NYSC orientation is really like and how to prepare.
Before anything, let me give you the story that happened before then.
How I Declined Going To NYSC Camp At First
I’m from Ogun State in the southwest. I actually enrolled for NYSC in 2024 and was deployed twice but I didn’t show up at camp because I wasn’t happy with the states I was posted. First it was Delta, then later Abia. Looking back now, I think I should have just gone with the first NYSC posting. The postponement wasn’t worth it.
By the time 2025 Batch A Stream 1 came around, I revalidated. This time, I paid Local Man for direct posting to Oyo State because I didn’t want any more surprises. Unknown to me, NYSC had other plans for those of us that did revalidation.
When call-up numbers was released on the PCMs’ dashboard, those of us that revalidated were not given. And as you know that without call-up number, there’s no way you can influence your posting. It looked like NYSC was intentionally punishing me for not going camp twice when deployed so I assumed I’d be mobilized in the next stream.
I’ve settled it in my mind already that my turn is the next stream when NYSC dropped a shocker. They made available the call-up numbers two days to the release of NYSC call-up letters!
This meant it was too late to influence the posting because Local Man had already submitted his jobs. Even though he refunded my money, I wasn’t happy because I had really planned my service year around Oyo. I had a company I wanted to work with there, and I was looking forward to the 15,000 naira monthly allowance from the state government.
When the call-up letters eventually came out, I was posted Imo State. I won’t lie, I was greatly disappointed. I had painted a perfect picture of NYSC in my head but everything changed in one moment.
The Journey to Imo NYSC Camp
There was no time dwelling on the disappointment so I pulled myself together and started preparing for Imo State. My new plan was simply to go for the orientation course and apply for relocation afterwards.
For those who don’t know, Imo State is in the southeast and it is populated by the Igbo people. The slogan of the state, “Eastern Heartland, ” tells of her importance in the region. Imo state shares borders with Anambra, Rivers, and Abia states. From Abeokuta, the journey took us about ten hours. You’ll pass through Benin, Asaba, and maybe Onitsha depending on your route.
I traveled with a few other PCMs posted to Imo. I had no real plan for the NYSC camp because my only focus was on getting redeployed. This made me a little nervous but I was also curious about the experience at the NYSC camp that people usually talk about.
Our driver was a young and sabi guy so we had interesting stopovers and plenty of gist along the way. We arrived at the camp around 11pm but registration had already closed for that day so we were given a space to pass the night
My First Impressions of the NYSC Camp At Imo
The NYSC camp is located in Eziama Obaire in Nkwerre LGA. It used to be an all girls’ secondary school before it was turned to the permanent NYSC orientation camp by the state government. The area is not exactly rural or urban. I’d say it’s in between. This means you shouldn’t expect to see fancy buildings or an exciting environment.
If you’re the type of person that enjoys city life, Owerri the state capital is the place for you. It has the trendy vibe of cities like Lagos and Abuja. The only issue there though is that the cost living is expensive. From accommodation to transport and food, the bills in Owerri will drain your pocket. Ensure you are financially prepared if you’re the jaiye-jaiye type.
Most people in Imo speak the native Igbo language. They also understand English and an almost perfect use of the Pidgin English.
Religion and Culture of Imo People
Imo is purely a christian state. Note that I didn’t say christian dominated. This is because I barely saw any mosques during my stay. This is not to scare anyone but just to let you know how the state is religion wise. People who aren’t Christians are mostly from other parts of the country and just passing through or working temporarily.
Despite being practicing Christians, the people of Imo state also hold on to their traditional beliefs. I remember a lecture at the NYSC camp where local chiefs came to address us. One of them told a story about a village where a snake visits any stranger at night. If you came with bad intentions, the snake would bite you. If not, it would just leave.
They also told us not to kill snakes in certain places because they’re considered sacred. If you do, you might have to organize a burial like you would for a human.
The Security Situation In Imo State
Just like every other states in Nigeria, Imo has its own security issues. The IPOB activities which is some kind of political agitation greatly affected some areas. Because of that, NYSC avoids posting corps members to those places. While at the orientation camp, we were given detailed safety tips to help guide us while we’re in the state. You really should take those lectures seriously.
Be careful with your movement and stay aware of your surroundings. I believe this is common sense people already know, especially those in an unfamiliar environment.
Getting Accommodation At The NYSC Camp
The first stage of registration at the NYSC orientation camp is accommodation. This is where you’ll be allotted bed space for your stay in camp. I wanted to be in the same room with the four other friends I traveled with but unfortunately, they got into one room while I was placed in another.
When I got to my room, the mattress was terrible. You could mistake it for a mat. It looked like a corps member who came before me had swapped it so I neeced to return the favor to another innocent latecomer. I went to another hostel and sneaked two mattresses into my room. Problem solved.
The hostels weren’t the best. Even the camp cleaners tidy things every day, the corps members were so unhygienic that they often mess everything up in no time. Some people will drop horrible looking faeces without flushing. Because of this eyesore and the pungent smells, most guys bathe outside very early in the mornings. I heard the female hostels were better but PCMs shouldn’t forget to take disinfectants along to calmp.
We were a total of 34 occupants in my room and trust me, there was always something to talk about. Most times as you would imagine, the discussions were always about girls.
The NYSC Camp Registration Process
You only have the first three days of camp opening to register at the orientation camp. After that comes the swearing-in ceremony, still on that third day. Some latecomers reported in camp after the third day but were sent.
I intentionally delayed my registration till the third day because the moment you’re done with registration, you are expected to participate fully in camp activities.
The registration exercise didn’t require much effort as long as you are patient enough. You only have to join the sit queue and follow instructions from the NYSC camp officials who do the heavy lifting. The pain of sitting and standing for so long was really stressful but they told us we’ll get used and honestly, we did.
The required documents for NYSC camp registration are what we’ve been hearing from Local Man before going to camp so ensure you prepare adequately. By afternoon, I had completed my registration and was assigned to Platoon 9 where I went to get my NYSC kits and meal ticket.
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Between SAED and Parade Activities
The daily Skills Acquisition and Entreprenuership Development (SAED) sessions and parade activities were the mainstay at NYSC camp. Some people preferred the lectures sessions because they get to sleep during that period but I liked parade more because it made me feel part of something purposeful. The drills were indeed tough but fun. The soldiers were firm but also entertaining. People fainted on the ground sometimes but there was the presence of the first aid team to handle the situation.
SAED and Lectures are important as well because that’s where you get information about important topics and also new skills that can help you even after NYSC. Most times though, the lectures are unavoidably too long and it becomes boring that you just want to sleep.
I personally believe that SAED would have been the best part of camp if government and NYSC had given it more attention. It has the potential to truly empower the youths but lack proper implementation. Just one week of learning doesn’t cut it for me. I joined the tech class because I’ve always had tech interest but I didn’t learn so much as expected. It’s just one week of training anyways.
Social Nights and My NYSC Camp Babe
Social night was the relief we all needed. After a long and tedious day, I would freshen up, spray my perfume, and head to the hall. That was my daily ritual. On one of those nights, a lady complimented my perfume and that lifted my mood.
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A few days before camp ended, I got close to a lady from Akwa Ibom. She had lived in Imo State for a long time before enrolling for NYSC so she knew her way around. Everyone knew us together. I was shy about the attention but she enjoyed it like crazy. As a gentleman, I constantly reminded her about my relocation plans after camp but she clearly didn’t like hearing that.
She was a single mother with a loving and kind heart. She was the highlight of my NYSC camp experience and I wished I had connected with her right from the first day.
Platoon Life and Competitions Imo NYSC Camp
After the first few days in camp, platoon activities began which meant there was preparation for different activities. It was at this point that things became lively. From football to volleyball, debates, drama, cultural dances, etc. There was something for everyone.
I didn’t join any of the activities at first because I was still keeping to myself. But after one week of being on the sidelines, I warmed up to others and made a few friends.
I joined the parade team but it didn’t go too well due to the uncooperative attitude of my platoon members towards the instructors in training. We came seventh in the marching competition which was not surprising. I later became the assistant coach for the girls’ volleyball team but we unfortunately lost our first match.
It looked like whatever I got involved in turned to gold dust. 😂
Football didn’t go well either because our boys were eliminated in the round of 16. The cultural dance competition also flopped. As a consolation, we got the first position in talent show, second in Miss Petite, and third in Miss NYSC. Even though those competitions were individual contest, it felt like a win for the whole platoon.
NYSC Camp Food and Mammy Market
The food at Imo NYSC camp was okay for me. I ate almost every meal except beans. The reason is obvious. I avoided it because of the condition of the toilets. Some people didn’t even eat NYSC food at all. They ate only from Mammy Market and had enough money to keep it going.
Mammy is where the real NYSC life happens. It’s where people hang out especially the ladies who love being there since they’re not the one paying. If you want a sit and talk with ladies in camp, Mammy market is the favorite spot so ensure to factor that in your camp budget.
For me though, it was mostly myself and my babe who wasn’t demanding and sometimes even paid for our meals. She also ate camp food without pretending so that made things easy for me.
The Igbos are very good cooks with copyrights of vegetable dishes. Even after leaving NYSC camp, I still crave for their dishes. If you miss home food, you’re bound to find a few places that sell other Nigerian dishes. I found a spot close to my PPA that prepares the Yoruba amala and ewedu.
The Regimented Sergeant Major at Imo Camp
Every NYSC camp has their overall parade commander that oversees the physical drills and activities on the parade ground. They are known as the Regimented Sergeant Majors (RSM). The RSM at the Imo camp made camp very endurable. With his entertaining and charismatic nature, the parade ground was never dull atmosphere.
Sometimes, he’ll be the one to beg on our behalf anytime we’re punished. He will help us beg for more time to enjoy ourselves at social nights and mammy market. Everyone loved him and I’m sure people that will be posted to Imo state will also love him if they have not transferred him to another camp.
The Last Day At NYSC Orientation Camp
The final day at NYSC camp was emotional. That is when the reality hits everyone. You get to find out if your relocation worked or not, the place of primary assignment you got, and whether you and your camp partners are parting ways.
Unfortunately for me, my relocation application didn’t work out. And to further dampen my spirit, I was posted to a rural community. My camp babe was happy because this meant I wasn’t going anywhere. She later helped me get a better PPA since she knew the state well.
Some weeks after leaving the orientation camp, we all started missing it. Camp honestly is the best part of NYSC but you don’t get to understand until it’s over. The memories stick that we still talk about them in our WhatsApp groups.
If I were to rate it, I’d give Imo state NYSC camp a solid 75 out of 100. The downsides are the toilets, stress that you’re not prepared for, and sometimes the food. But it definitely had its unforgettable moments.
Helpful NYSC Camp Tips For PCMs
Based on my experience, these are some of the helpful tips prospective corps members should know before going to the orientation camp:
- Direct posting is the best way to secure your preferred state. Make adequate preparations if you can’t afford to serve just anywhere.
- Don’t rely too much on the direct posting though because even the best plugs can fail sometimes. Prepare for disappointment too so you can have a backup plan.
- Revalidation doesn’t guarantee a better state. If you refused to report in because you didn’t like the way you were posting, what’s your conviction that the next state will be better?
- Keep an open mind wherever you’re posted because it makes everything easier. Don’t be overly pessimistic so you don’t miss opportunities.
- Start looking out for good PPAs while still in camp. If you’re not relocating , your plan for life after NYSC camp so be activated from the first day you got there.
- The NYSC camp officials are influential in their own rights. Be active and close to them because it might help your PPA posting, relocation, etc.
- Take enough money to camp and plan your budget wisely. You should know this if you belong in Local Man’s WhatsApp group.
- Be polite and respectful to the camp officials and soldiers. It saves you from stress because you can’t win any battle against them.
- Connect with corps members who know the state well. Their knowledge of the state can help you to make the wise decision for yourself.
- Take pictures and save memories because you will treasure them later. You only get to serve once.
I hope I’ve been able to convince that your deployment to Imo State is not that bad. Hopefully, this helps you prepare better.
Thanks for reading.