The qualification for NYSC service year is (1) graduation from a recognized institution of tertiary education with a degree or HND program and (2) age of not more than 30 years.

A 30 years old person can go for NYSC. Its when a graduate is above the age of 30 years upon graduation that there can not go for NYSC but are instead giving a Certificate of Exemption from the service.

Eligible years of age for NYSC is 30 years and below. Anything above 30 is not accepted for participation in the service.

The NYSC (National Youth Service Corps) scheme was created in a bid to reconstruct, reconcile and rebuild the country after the Nigerian Civil war. The unfortunate antecedents in our national history gave impetus to the establishment of the National Youth Service Corps by decree No.24 of 22nd May 1973 which stated that the NYSC is being established “with a view to the proper encouragement and development of common ties among the youths of Nigeria and the promotion of national unity”. 

NYSC service year

NYSC service year is a one-year mandatory program for Nigerian graduates who are below 30 years of age.

The service year has 4 main segments in which every Corps Member must satisfactorily participate before he/she is qualified to be issued a certificate of National Service. The service year comprises:

1. Orientation Courses
2. Primary Assignment
3. Community Development Service
4. Winding – Up/Passing –out

A National Youth Service Corps year starts with a 3 weeks orientation course and it is compulsory for all Nigeria graduates mobilised for national service. The course lasts for three (3) weeks and is designed to achieve the following objectives:

1. To give Corps Members a better understanding of the objectives of the NYSC Scheme and enable them internalise its ideals
2. To acquaint members with their environment in their political, cultural, social and economic setting
3. To prepare Corps members for their particular roles in the Scheme.
4. To equip them with practical social and leadership skills that will enable them meet the challenges of the service year ahead.
5. To inculcate in the Corps members the spirit of national consciousness as a basic ingredient in nation building.
6. To instil discipline in the youths.
7. To give Corps members adequate physical and mental training.
8. To imbibe them with the Spirit of collective responsibility.

To achieve the above objectives the orientation course opens with a swearing –in/opening ceremony presided over by the executive Governor of the State/FCT Minister. The oath of Allegiance and the National Pledge are administered by the Chief Judge of the State/FCT.

The orientation course content involves physical training, drills, lectures on the people and tradition of the host State, professional lectures for Corps health personnel’s, lawyers, teachers and Skill acquisition training etc. Corps members participate in social activities designed to create opportunities for them to interact.

They participate in dance and drama competitions, Miss NYSC and Mr Macho.

They also participate in inter platoon competitions on football, volleyball, table tennis, cooking and sanitation.

Corps members are also trained on Man ‘O’ War activities leading to competitions on inter platoon drills and tug of war.

At the end of the orientation, Corps members are posted to their place of primary assignment. While the NYSC Management takes into consideration the areas of specialization of Corps members carrying out the posting exercise, emphasis is placed in rural posting in the areas of Agriculture, Health, Education and Infrastructure.

It is expected that Corps members should accept their posting and be agents of change contributing towards the development of their host communities.

The Community Development Service (CDS) is aimed at harnessing the skills, creativity and innovativeness of Corps members. Corps members are expected to identified the needs of their host communities and mobilise members of their host communities to embark on the projects.

Through this programme, many Corps members were able to construct bridges, health care centres, classroom blocks, market stalls, culverts etc. they had also carried out projects like HIV sensitization, adult literacy campaign, extra-mural classes for students, road safety campaign etc. Corps members participate actively in the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) through the War Against Poverty (WAP) programme of the scheme.

At the end of the service year (usually at the 12th month) corps members are gathered in their respective zones for assessment of the service year and de briefing. It is the period when Corps members present their final clearance letters from their employers and submit same to their Zonal/Local Government Inspectors.

Parade rehearsals are conducted in readiness for the passing-out ceremony which is usually presided over by the Executive Governor of the State. During the ceremony, those with outstanding performance during the service year are given State Honours Award. For a Corps member to merit an award, he/she must be outstanding in the orientation course, primary assignment, community development service and winding –up exercise.①

CODE OF CONDUCT

During the period of orientation every corps member is expected to:

• Attend regularly, and participate, fully in all official engagements on the field, at lectures and all places of work.

• Any member who comes late to any official engagement on the field, at lectures or places of work shall be tried by the Camp Court and, if found guilty, be liable to be decamped and sent out of the camp.

The member shall only be allowed to come back for service by joining the next batch for the orientation exercise.

• Not leave orientation camp or absent himself from any official activity without the written consent of the State Coordinator but when absent from his duties on account of illness, ensure that such absences is covered by an “Excuse Duty Certificate” issued by a medical doctor then on duty at the camp.

• Any member who leaves the camp without the permission from the State Coordinator shall be tried by the Camp Court and, if found guilty, be liable to be decamped and sent out of camp.

The member shall only be allowed to come back for service by joining the next batch for the orientation exercise.

• Not gamble within the premises.
Any member who gambles shall be reported to the police for prosecution.

• Not be in possession of fire arms or ammunition
Any member who flouts this rule shall be reported to the police for prosecution.

• Not smoke, chew anything whatsoever, make or answer calls, while on parade and at any other time, not smoke in a prohibited area or throw lighted cigarette butts or lighted matches about the premises carelessly.

Any member who flouts this rule shall be tried by the Camp Court and, if found guilty, be liable to extra drill for thirty (30) minutes.

• Not get drunk
Any member found to be drunk shall be tried by the Camp Court and, if found guilty, be liable to extra drill and/or confinement to the camp rehabilitation room for thirty (30) minutes.

• Not receive visitors in the camp except on Saturdays, Sundays and public Holidays.

• Any member who flouts this rule shall be tried by the camp court and, if found guilty, be liable to extra drill and/or confinement to the camp rehabilitation room for thirty (30) minutes.

• Wear the various uniforms provided for the activities

Any member who refuses, fails or neglects to comply with this rule shall be tried by the Camp Court and, if found guilty, be liable to be decamped and sent out of the orientation camp

• Not keep animal pets in camp

Any member who brings animal pets to camp shall not be registered and if already registered, shall be decamped.

• Not take part in mob action

Any member who takes part in riot or mob action shall be reported to the police for prosecution.

• Not steal

Any member who steals shall be reported to the police for prosecution

• Not take part in or organize night parties in camp without the written permission of the State Coordinator.

Any member who fails, refuses or neglects to comply with this rule shall be tried by the Camp Court and, if found guilty, be liable to extra drill and/or confinement to the camp rehabilitation room for thirty (30) minutes.

• Not be insubordinate or rude to camp officials

Any member who is rude to camp officials shall be tried by the Camp Court and, if found guilty, be liable to extension of service for (30) days on half pay

• Not be in possession of Hard drugs like cocaine, Indian hemp, heroine etc.
Any member who is in possession of Hard drugs shall be reported to the police for prosecution.

• Not bring vehicles or motorcycles into the orientation camp.

Any member who brings vehicles or motorcycles to camp shall not be registered, and if already registered, shall be decamped

Such member shall only be allowed to return to service to join the next batch in the orientation camp

• Not bring forged documents for registration

Any member who brings forged document for registration shall be reported to the police for prosecution.

Any member who brings forged document for registration shall be reported to the police for prosecution.

• Any member who organizes or engages in any form of secret cult activity shall be immediately suspended and the case referred to police.

Such member shall be allowed to return to service only if he is exonerated by the police investigation report.

• Not address the press on any policy issue without the prior written consent of the State Coordinator.

Any member who addresses the press on any policy issue without the written consent of the State Coordinator shall be tried by the Camp Court and, if found guilty, be liable to extension of service for thirty (30) days on half pay.②

Preparations for orientation camp

The orientation phase is the first. It introduces the corps members to the NYSC scheme, the culture and environment of their state of deployment, and the basic military training. The orientation phase lasts for three weeks and takes place in a camp designated by the NYSC authorities.

Before heading to the orientation camp, there are some things that you should know and prepare to make your experience smooth and enjoyable.

Requirements for the orientation camp

To participate in the orientation camp, you need to have the following documents and items:

Your call-up letter, which is a document that shows your state of deployment, orientation camp address, and reporting date. You can print your call-up letter from your NYSC portal dashboard when you are notified to do so. You should make at least six photocopies of your call-up letter and keep the original with you at all times.

Your green card, which is a document that contains your personal and academic details. You can also print your green card from your NYSC portal dashboard after completing your online registration. You should make at least six photocopies of your green card and keep the original with you at all times.

Your school ID card or any other valid identification card, such as your driver’s license, national ID card, or international passport. You should make at least six photocopies of your ID card and keep the original with you at all times.

Your statement of result or certificate, which is a document that shows your academic qualification and degree. You should make at least six photocopies of your statement of result or certificate and keep the original with you at all times.

Your medical certificate of fitness, which is a document that shows that you are physically and mentally fit for the orientation course. You should obtain your medical certificate of fitness from a government or military hospital, not more than three months before the orientation camp. You should make at least six photocopies of your medical certificate of fitness and keep the original with you at all times.

Your personal items, such as clothes, shoes, toiletries, bedding, mosquito net, torchlight, padlock, etc. You should also bring some cash for your personal expenses, as there may not be ATMs or POS machines in the camp.

Activities in the orientation camp

The orientation camp is a place where you will learn new things, meet new people, and have fun. Some of the activities that you will engage in during the orientation camp are:

Registration and verification
This is the first activity that you will do when you arrive at the camp. You will be required to present your documents and items for verification and registration. You will also be assigned a platoon number, a hostel, and a kit, which consists of a pair of white shorts, a pair of white shoes, two white T-shirts, and a cap. You will also be given a meal ticket, which you will use to get your food from the camp kitchen.

Opening ceremony
This is the official commencement of the orientation course, which usually takes place on the second day of the camp. The opening ceremony is attended by the NYSC officials, the state governor, the camp commandant, and other dignitaries. You will be required to wear your full kit and march in your platoons to the parade ground, where you will recite the NYSC anthem and pledge, and listen to the speeches and goodwill messages from the guests.

Military drills and parade
This is one of the main activities that you will do throughout the orientation course. You will be trained by the military officers on how to march, salute, obey commands, and handle emergencies. You will also participate in the daily parade, which takes place every morning and evening at the parade ground. The parade is a way of instilling discipline, punctuality, and teamwork among the corps members.

Lectures and workshops
This is another important activity that you will do during the orientation course. You will attend lectures and workshops on various topics, such as the NYSC scheme, the culture and history of your state of deployment, the security and health tips, the entrepreneurship and skill acquisition programs, the community development service, and the code of conduct and discipline. You will also have the opportunity to interact with the resource persons and ask questions.

Social and cultural activities
This is the most fun and relaxing part of the orientation course. You will enjoy various social and cultural activities, such as the welcome party, the cultural day, the carnival, the bonfire night, the Miss NYSC and Mr Macho contests, the talent hunt, the sports and games, the drama and comedy shows, and the farewell party. You will also have the chance to showcase your talents and creativity, and mingle with other corps members and camp officials.

Swearing-in ceremony
This is the official end of the orientation course, which usually takes place on the last day of the camp. The swearing-in ceremony is attended by the NYSC officials, the state governor, the chief judge, and other dignitaries. You will be required to wear your full kit and march in your platoons to the parade ground, where you will take the oath of allegiance and receive your posting letters. You will also listen to the closing remarks and advice from the guests.

Benefits of the orientation camp

The orientation camp is not only a place of learning and training, but also a place of personal growth and development. Some of the benefits of the orientation camp are:

• You will gain new knowledge and skills that will help you in your service year and beyond.
• You will develop a sense of patriotism and national consciousness that will inspire you to serve your country with dedication and loyalty.
• You will experience a new culture and environment that will broaden your perspective and enrich your worldview.
• You will make new friends and connections that will support you and enhance your social and professional network.
• You will discover your potentials and talents that will boost your confidence and self-esteem.
• You will have fun and memorable moments that will make you happy and fulfilled.

Orientation camp challenges

The orientation camp is not without its challenges and difficulties. Some of the challenges of the orientation camp are:

• You may face some inconveniences and discomforts, such as poor accommodation, inadequate facilities, harsh weather, long queues, etc.
  You may encounter some health and safety issues, such as infections, injuries, accidents, theft, etc.
• You may face some stress and pressure, such as strict rules, tight schedules, heavy tasks, etc.
• You may have some conflicts and misunderstandings, such as cultural differences, personality clashes, miscommunication, etc.

How can someone cope with the orientation camp

The orientation camp is a learning experience but may sometimes be tedious. You can cope with the orientation camp by following these tips:

Be prepared and organized: Before going to the camp, make sure you have all the necessary documents and items, and arrange your transportation and accommodation. Do some research on your state of deployment and the orientation camp, and familiarize yourself with the NYSC scheme and the orientation exercise.

Be positive and optimistic: During the camp, have a positive attitude and outlook, and focus on the benefits and opportunities of the orientation course. Also, be open-minded and flexible, and embrace the diversity and challenges of the camp.

Be respectful and cooperative: Throughout the camp, be respectful and courteous to the camp officials, the military officers, the resource persons, and the other corps members. Also, be cooperative and supportive, and participate actively and enthusiastically in the camp activities.

Be healthy and safe: In the camp, take care of your health and hygiene, and avoid risky behaviors and substances. Also, follow the security and safety guidelines, and report any incidents or emergencies to the appropriate authorities.

Express yourself and have fun: At the camp, be yourself and express your personality and creativity, and showcase your talents and skills.

Reference: ① nysc.gov.ng/serviceyear.html ② nysc.gov.ng/downloads/nysc-bye-laws.php