Things To Expect Within the NYSC Orientation Camp
As soon as you enter the gate of your various orientation camps, you will see enough uniformed men. Your screening starts at the gate. Of course, you might be afraid, but just follow orders.
1. Thorough search
Your loads would be searched thoroughly as they don’t want any weapons or prohibited items like iron, knives, bombs, etc. within the camp
2. Registration
Usually, the first registration is normally for hostel/bed-space. You would be given tags to identify with. Do not misplace your tags as they would be collected at the place where you will collect your foam. Other registrations at the NYSC orientation camp will follow. Provide all necessary documents asked of you. Strictly follow instructions.
3. Your NYSC Kits
You will be given all your NYSC kits during the registration phase. They include shirts, shorts and shoes. To avoid stealing and for proper identification, use a permanent marker to write your Code Number (CN) on them. This Code Number is your temporary ID card that you will use in your stay at the camp. Without this CN, you cannot eat the free food offered in the camp.
4. Casual Wears will not be allowed
When you get your kits, only your white T-shirt, white shorts, white socks and white tennis shoe will be allowed for the 21 days in the orientation camp. Although, there may be times where you might put on your full NYSC kit i.e the Uniform itself.
5. Regimented Programme/Parade
If you are the type that wakes up late, you would have to adjust as you would have to wake up as early as 3:30am, so as to get prepared. A trumpet wakes you at 4am. Everyone would be expected to assemble at the parade ground by 4:30am. Praises and worship for different religions (Christians and Islam) will be said.
At 7am, you have your breakfast. You can choose not to eat the food given free at the camp or go to the mammy market and eat a more balanced diet. After breakfast, you will be called out again for the series of fitness and Skill Acquisition Entrepreneurship Programmes (SAED). After the programme, your take your lunch. You will be given some time to rest before another evening parade and then, your dinner. This will continue everyday until you leave the orientation camp.
6. Your allowance a.k.a Allawe
Unless it has been increased, your first allowance will be N19, 800 which will be given to you in cash at the NYSC camp. and it will be in cash. You will also get Bicycle Allowance. This N19,800 will continue until you finish service. Some might collect state allawee, that’s if you are lucky. Spend wisely
7. Place Of Primary Assignment (PPA)
Your PPA is where you will be posted to do your work. Most Corpers will be posted to primary schools and secondary schools, few will be posted to the state capital and other places. Do not lobby or bribe anyone for your posting, especially the ladies. Just pray to God for a good PPA. Receive your PPA in good faith. After all, youths obey the clarion call under the sun or in the rain.
8. Always do your clearance
NYSC clearance should be taken seriously by all youth corp members. You would have to do this before you go home. It is very important because it registers you as a NYSC youth corper in the local government you were posted. Failure to complete your clearance before going home would see your subsequent monthly allowance/allawee not being received
Hope you understand the process on how to prepare for NYSC now. Share to others if you find this piece informative.
