This Thing Called Nysc: A Preparation Guide for Every Nigerian Youth To Survive Camp

What is NYSC?

NYSC is an abbreviation for the National Youth Service Corps, which is a more or less compulsory service for Nigerian youth. Why do I say “more or less”? For the poor and the average citizen, it is mandatory, but for the rich, it seems they are exempt. Yeah, I know—SUE ME—but everyone knows it’s true; no one just wants to admit it.

If you are certain you will not work with any companies or organizations that require NYSC, you might consider skipping it. But remember, the government can change its mind at any time, and you never know when having that NYSC certificate might come in handy.

My Experiences

As someone who went through the entire NYSC experience in 2017, I feel I am in a solid position to provide some tips and guidance. My time in service was a rollercoaster of emotions and experiences—from the adrenaline rush of registration day at camp, trying to keep track of a million things at once, to the everyday life of enduring early morning drills, poorly cooked meals, and random “man of war” activities that make you question the whole point of it all.

During my time, I served in a state far away from my home, which came with its own set of challenges. I had to adapt to a different culture, new people, and sometimes harsh weather conditions. The first few weeks were tough, and I won’t sugarcoat it; there were moments I questioned why I even bothered to show up. But as the days went by, I learned a few tricks to survive the system and even enjoy it.

Camp Life: A Test of Endurance and Patience

Camp life is not for the faint-hearted. You wake up to the sound of a blaring bugle at 4:30 a.m., jolt out of bed, and find yourself in the middle of a freezing parade ground with hundreds of other sleepy-eyed corps members. Every day felt like a test of endurance. After morning drills, you had to hustle to get decent meals and navigate the never-ending queues to use the bathroom or get water.

But camp was also where I formed some of the most unforgettable friendships. I met people from different backgrounds, with different stories to tell, and it gave me a better perspective on life in Nigeria beyond my immediate circle. It taught me resilience and adaptability. The endless “man of war” activities, lectures, and the occasional early morning emergency drills—sometimes for nothing more than to “test our alertness”—added layers to my patience and understanding of group dynamics.

Why This Guide?

I decided to write this post on NYSC for all the youths who have no idea what to expect or what to do. The experience can be quite overwhelming, especially if you are not well-prepared. Just a quick reminder: state camps differ from one another, except for the dates of resumption and departure from camp. Some camps are more organized than others, and the facilities can range from decent to absolutely appalling. So, it’s good to prepare your mind and pack well.

Note

Initially, this was supposed to be a Saturday post. Unfortunately, my flash drive got corrupted, but thankfully, I still had a saved copy on my desktop. I plan to make this post into two or three sections due to its length, covering all aspects of the NYSC experience—from registration and camp life to primary assignments and life after camp.

Just a quick reminder: When planning your service, remember, “What man proposes, God disposes.” Expect the unexpected!

Item You Should Keep in Mind for NYSC

1. Photocopies of Your Documents (≤5 copies): Trust me, you don’t want to be running around looking for a place to make photocopies when you should be registering or resting.
2. Passport Photos (5 with a white background and 5 with a red background): Very essential for documentation purposes. Ensure they are recent.
3. Stationery (Pen, Pencil, Notebook, Glue, and Stapler): It’s always good to have these handy for filling out forms or taking notes during lectures.
4. Detergent, Soap, and Cloth Whitener (Hypo/Jik): To keep your whites clean, because you’ll be wearing a lot of them!
5. Fanny Pack (preferably black; as many as you want): This became my go-to for keeping valuables like my phone, money, and keys safe during camp.
6. Mosquito Net (optional): If you are going to a state with a high prevalence of mosquitoes, this could save you.
7. White T-shirts (≥2), White Shorts (≥2), and White Socks (≥2): The NYSC-approved dress code. You will wear these clothes for the duration of the camp.
8. Fuzzy Socks (coloured or plain, for cold weather): Handy for those early morning drills in colder regions.
9. Provisions (any non-cookable items): A lifesaver when camp food becomes unbearable.
10. Ladies’ Care Items (sanitary pads, shower care, makeup, hair care, and body/skincare): Pack what makes you feel comfortable and ready for the daily grind.
11. Men’s Care Items (shaving kit, shower care, body care): Don’t forget your essentials.
12. Nylon Bags (small and medium size): For storing and organizing items, especially dirty laundry.
13. Blanket, Warmer, or Duvet; Wrapper: Nights can get cold, so prepare accordingly.
14. Bedspread (as many as you want): For that extra layer of comfort on the camp bed.
15. Toothbrush and Toothpaste: Obvious, but worth mentioning.
16. Pillow (optional): Camp pillows can be uncomfortable; bring your own if you prefer.
17. Lamp (not rechargeable; it might be a contraband item in some camps due to power issues): A non-rechargeable lamp can be useful during power outages.
18. Bathroom Slippers: Essential for hygiene, especially when using public bathrooms.
19. Shoes/Slippers (as many as you want): Versatility is key!
20. White Sneakers (as many as you want): These will be your go-to footwear for drills and most activities.
21. Cereal Bowl or Cup and Spoon (no metal forks or knives): Necessary for meals.
22. Food Flask/Food Warmer: Keeps food warm if you decide to bring meals from outside.
23. Glucose and Vitamins: To keep your energy levels up.
24. Fruits: For some fresh nutrition amidst all the camp food.
25. Power Bank: A must-have, especially if there’s a power cut.
26. Two Sets of Chargers (Phone and Power Bank): Always have a backup.
27. Fuse (extension cords may be contraband): Be cautious, as some camps consider them contraband.
28. Earpiece/Earphone: You don’t want to disturb others while listening to music or taking calls.
29. Tissue/Paper Roll: Always handy.
30. Condoms for Both Ladies and Men: Better safe than sorry!
31. Water Flask: Stay hydrated!
32. Pantyhose (white and optional): For the ladies, if needed.
33. Veils, Scarves (more white than coloured): If you wear them.
34. Nail Kit: For grooming.
35. Prayer Items: If you are religious, bring what you need.
36. A padlock or Bag Lock: To keep your belongings safe.
37. Bucket (≤2): For bathing or laundry.
38. Clothes (a few outfits suitable for the 2-day carnival and Sunday wear): For social events in camp.
39. Cash: Your camp might not have an ATM, so be prepared.

That’s all for this post! Be sure to check the next post, Part II of “This Thing Called NYSC.”

On The Blog: Nysc: Advice From a Corper Living in Nigeria

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Let’s Chat:

• Are you a current corper or an ex-corper?
• What items should be on the list that we might have missed?
• What was your NYSC prepping like?