Ogun govt explains overcrowding at NYSC camp as 4,300 corps
The Ogun State Government has explained the overcrowding at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp in Sagamu after a video showing prospective corps members sleeping in a packed hall went viral on social media.
The video, which circulated online on Monday, showed graduates sleeping on mattresses placed close to one another in a multipurpose hall, leaving little space for movement.
The situation sparked outrage among Nigerians, with many questioning the NYSC’s preparation and the welfare of corps members at the camp.
Reacting to the development, the Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to Governor Dapo Abiodun, Kayode Akinmade, said the video showed a temporary arrangement made during the registration exercise, which continued late into the night.
He said the large number of arrivals put pressure on the available facilities.
According to him, NYSC officials were responsible for registration, screening, verification of credentials and allocation of hostel spaces.
He added that prospective corps members whose registration continued late into the night were temporarily accommodated in the multipurpose hall, where mattresses were provided.
The government said it had provided 500 mattresses to ease the situation. The Akarigbo of Remo also donated 100 mattresses, followed by another donation of 200.
Akinmade said the state government had continued to support the NYSC despite the agency’s responsibility for managing registration and accommodation at the camp.
It also alleged that some prospective corps members were asked to return home because of a shortage of accommodation, while others struggled to find places to sleep.
MonITNG called on the NYSC Director-General, the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and other relevant authorities to investigate the incident and improve accommodation, healthcare, sanitation, feeding and security at orientation camps across the country.
Economist Pat Utomi also condemned the situation, questioning why Nigerians continued to accept poor conditions in public institutions.
In a post on his X account, Utomi said the camp’s condition was unacceptable and compared the crowded hall to a prison.
He said young Nigerians serving their country deserved dignity, better facilities and a more comfortable orientation experience.
As of the time of filing this report, the NYSC national spokesperson had yet to respond to the public criticism.