Get Guardian on GoogleBlames surge in corps members for congestion at NYSC camp
The Ogun State Government has clarified the circumstances surrounding a viral video showing prospective corps members sleeping in a multi-purpose hall at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp in Sagamu, attributing the development to an unexpected increase in the number of participants and delays in registration.
The government explained that the use of the hall was a temporary measure to provide accommodation for prospective corps members whose screening and registration processes extended late into the night.
It, however, stressed that responsibility for registration, verification of credentials and allocation of hostel accommodation rested solely with the NYSC.
The Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to Governor Dapo Abiodun, Kayode Akinmade, said mattresses were provided for the affected prospective corps members in the multi-purpose hall to enable them to rest while awaiting the completion of their registration and hostel allocation.
Akinmade attributed the situation to the sharp increase in the number of prospective corps members deployed to the state, disclosing that more than 4,300 candidates reported to the camp for the current batch, compared with slightly more than 2,000 recorded in previous batches.
He maintained that although the NYSC was responsible for the day-to-day administration of the orientation camp, the state government had consistently supported the scheme through interventions aimed at improving the welfare of corps members.
According to him, the state government provided 500 mattresses for the current orientation exercise, while the Akarigbo of Remo donated 100 mattresses and later supplemented the donation with another 200.
He also disclosed that Governor Abiodun had recently approved a N50,000 transport grant for each of the 3,050 corps members deployed to Ogun State under the 2026 Batch C, Stream I, to cushion their transportation expenses.
The governor’s aide further stated that Ogun State had been recognised as the best in the country in NYSC administration, describing the achievement as a testament to the state government’s commitment to corps members’ welfare and the efficient management of the scheme.
The government called on the public to understand the distinction between the NYSC’s operational responsibilities and the state government’s supportive role, assuring residents that the Abiodun administration would sustain its interventions to ensure a conducive environment for corps members serving in Ogun State.
