Every year, over 300,000 Nigerian graduates step into the iconic white-and-khaki world of the NYSC orientation camp. Whether you’re in Batch A, B, or C, Stream 1 or 2, the requirements remain the same — miss one document, and you risk absconding or camp rejection.
This evergreen guide (updated for 2025 and valid for future batches) breaks down everything you need — documents, packing list, rules, and pro tips — so you arrive 100% prepared, no matter the year.
What is NYSC Orientation Camp?
The 21-day mandatory orientation camp is the first phase of your National Youth Service Corps year. Held in 37 camps across Nigeria’s 36 states and FCT, it includes:
- Paramilitary drills
- Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED)
- Lectures on national unity
- Cultural carnival
- Swearing-in ceremony
Pro Tip: Camp starts Wednesday and ends on a Tuesday. Plan travel accordingly.
NYSC Orientation Camp Requirements (2025 & Future Batches)
1. Mandatory Documents (Original + Photocopies)
| Document | Copies Needed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Call-Up Letter | Original + 5 photocopies | Print in color. Download 2–3 days before camp. |
| Statement of Result or Certificate | Original + 5 photocopies | HND/degree. Provisional for final-year students. |
| School ID Card | Original + 2 photocopies | Must be valid. |
| Green Card | Original + 2 photocopies | Printed during online registration. |
| NYSC Registration Slip | 1 copy | From portal after payment. |
| Medical Fitness Certificate | Original + 2 photocopies | From government hospital only. |
| Passport Photographs | 12 copies (white background) | 8 for registration, 4 extras. |
| International Passport (Foreign-trained) | Original + 5 photocopies | + translated credentials. |
Critical: No document = no entry. Photocopy everything before leaving home.
2. Online Registration Requirements (Pre-Camp)
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Be on the Senate List (check via institution) |
| 2 | Register on portal.nysc.org.ng |
| 3 | Pay ₦3,000–₦4,000 (varies yearly) for call-up |
| 4 | Choose 4 states (1 per geopolitical zone) |
| 5 | Print Green Card & Call-Up Letter |
Foreign-trained PCMs: Complete physical verification in Lagos or Abuja before camp.
NYSC Camp Packing List (Essentials Only)
Clothing & Uniform
| Item | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| White T-shirts | 5–7 | Plain, round-neck |
| White Shorts | 5–7 | Knee-length |
| White Canvas Shoes | 1 pair | + white socks (7 pairs) |
| Khaki (Jacket, Trouser, Cap, Belt) | Issued in camp | Buy extra if size runs out (₦5,000) |
| Bed Sheet & Pillowcase | 1 set | White or plain |
| Mosquito Net | 1 | Critical! |
Toiletries & Personal Care
- Bucket, sponge, soap, detergent
- Sanitary pads/tampons
- Toothpaste, brush, roll-on
- Towel (2), slippers
- Small mirror, comb
Gadgets & Money
| Item | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Phone + Charger | Power bank (10,000mAh+) |
| Cash | ₦15,000–₦25,000 (no ATMs in most camps) |
| Waist pouch | For parade ground |
Food & Health
- Garri, milk, sugar, Milo
- Plastic plates, cups, spoon
- Rechargeable fan (optional)
- First-aid: paracetamol, plaster, ORS
Banned Items: Hot plate, knife, alcohol, jewelry, laptop
Camp Rules You Must Obey (Or Face Panel)
- Lights Out: 10:00 PM sharp
- Morning Drills: 5:00 AM – be on parade ground
- No Phones During Lectures/Parade
- No Leaving Camp Without EXCO Pass
- No Fighting or Cultism → Immediate decamping
State-by-State Camp Locations (Evergreen List)
| State | Camp Address |
|---|---|
| Abia | Umunna, Bende LGA |
| Lagos | Iyana-Ipaja, Agege |
| Oyo | Iseyin, Government College |
| Kano | Kusalla, Karaye LGA |
| FCT | Kubwa, Bwari Area Council |
| Rivers | Nonwa-Gbam, Tai LGA |
Full list: nysc.gov.ng/camp-address
Special Cases & Exemptions
| Category | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Married Women | Marriage certificate + change of name proof |
| Pregnant/Nursing Mothers | Medical report + request for relocation |
| Over 30 Years | Exemption letter (automatic) |
| Military/Paramilitary | Service ID for redeployment |
Timeline: When to Prepare (Works Every Year)
| Timeline | Action |
|---|---|
| 6 Months Before | Ensure name is on Senate List |
| 1 Month Before | Start online registration |
| 1 Week Before | Print call-up letter |
| Day Before Camp | Travel early, arrive by 12 PM |
Pro Tips from Past Corpers (2025 Batch A–C)
- Arrive Early → Secure bed space near toilet
- Join a Platoon Fast → Better for cultural carnival
- Buy Mammy Market Early → Prices double by Day 3
- Network with Officials → Helps with PPA posting
- Document Everything → Take photos of documents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I enter camp without a medical certificate?
No. It’s mandatory from a government hospital.
What if I miss registration deadline?
You’ll be pushed to the next stream or lose the batch.
Can I bring my car to camp?
No. Only bikes in some camps (with permission).
Is camp allowance paid in camp?
Yes. ₦33,000–₦39,000 (increases yearly) paid via bank.
Final Checklist Before Leaving Home
- Call-up letter (color print)
- 12 passport photos
- Medical certificate
- ₦20,000 cash
- White outfits + canvas
- Photocopies of all documents
- Power bank + phone
- Mosquito net
Conclusion: Be Camp-Ready, Stress-Free
The NYSC orientation camp is your first taste of service, sacrifice, and sisterhood. With this evergreen checklist, you’ll avoid common mistakes that send corpers home in tears.
Save this page. Share with your course mates. Bookmark for your juniors.
Next Step: Comment your state of origin below — I’ll tell you the best item to bring for cultural carnival! 👇
