Ogun: Corps members packed into hall as NYSC camp faces bed shortage

Overcrowding and inadequate sleeping facilities at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp in Sagamu, Ogun State, have sparked outrage on social media, with corps members reportedly forced to sleep on mattresses packed closely together in a multipurpose hall.

Videos circulating online show graduates crammed into the camp’s accommodation facilities, raising concerns over the preparedness of NYSC authorities and the welfare of corps members at the orientation camp, popularly known as the “Five Star Camp.”

The multipurpose hall, ordinarily used for events, was reportedly converted into a sleeping area to accommodate the growing number of corps members.

The footage has triggered widespread criticism, with Nigerians questioning why adequate accommodation and other essential facilities were not provided ahead of the arrival of prospective corps members.

An X user, Ayohid01 (@ayohid01), who appeared to be experiencing the situation, expressed frustration, writing, “Bro, I can’t believe I am experiencing this right now at Ogun State camp Unna no try at all.”

Another user, Chude (@Chude_ND1), compared the conditions to those in displacement camps, stating, “Imagine NYSC Orientation Camp Shagamu, Ogun State in 2026. Even people in IDP camps in Gaza are not living like this. We have serious problem in this country.”

Similarly, CandyLove (@DazylingQueen) described the living conditions as unacceptable, saying Nigerian graduates should not be subjected to such hardship during the national service programme.

A civic technology and accountability organisation, MonITNG (@monitng), also condemned the reported situation, describing it as “a national disgrace that demands immediate intervention.”

In a lengthy post, the organisation alleged that some prospective corps members had been asked to return home because of inadequate accommodation, while others were struggling to secure sleeping spaces.

MonITNG questioned the preparedness of NYSC authorities, asking how a national programme responsible for receiving thousands of graduates could fail to provide sufficient accommodation, sanitation and other essential facilities.

The organisation called on the NYSC Director-General, the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and other relevant authorities to investigate the situation and address concerns over accommodation, healthcare, sanitation, feeding and security at orientation camps nationwide.

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Meanwhile, some social media users argued that the overcrowding should not be blamed on the Ogun State Government, noting that NYSC is a Federal Government scheme responsible for deploying corps members to states.

An X account identified as nba (@nba101i) also alleged that male corps members had been moved out of their hostel to accommodate female corps members.

“This is currently live at NYSC camp in Sagamu. The boys were sent out from their hostel for no reason just to bring other females to the only boys hostel in this camp. This is unfair. You guys can do better honestly I’m currently pissed,” the user wrote.

The reported conditions have renewed calls for NYSC authorities to ensure adequate facilities and proper planning to protect the welfare and dignity of corps members during orientation exercises.