The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has officially released postings for the 2025 Batch A, Stream I prospective corps members (PCMs), signaling the beginning of a new service year for thousands of Nigerian graduates. In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, the scheme also issued a strong warning to all PCMs to avoid travelling at night as they head to their assigned orientation camps.
The NYSC further announced important details regarding the orientation exercise, particularly highlighting that some PCMs posted to Lagos and Abuja will have their orientation exercises in neighboring states due to space and logistical arrangements.
As part of logistical measures to accommodate all corps members, the NYSC stated that not all PCMs posted to Lagos and Abuja will undergo their orientation in those locations. Instead, they will be camped in neighboring states.
According to the update, some PCMs posted to Lagos will have their orientation in Ogun, Ondo, and Osun States, while those deployed to Abuja may be required to report to camps in Nasarawa or Kaduna.
The NYSC explained that such reassignments are normal and done to manage the limited capacity of the camps in high-demand states like Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Prospective corps members were urged to check their call-up letters for the specific camp assigned to them.
In the same update, the NYSC emphasized the importance of a critical document called the addendum, which must be signed and printed by all PCMs. According to the agency, the addendum is vital for a successful camp registration and may be required for verification in some camps.
“The signing and printing of the addendum is vital for camp entry. It is crucial for registration and to avoid potential service disruptions,” the NYSC stated.
The addendum can be accessed through the NYSC dashboard after a prospective corps member completes their online registration. PCMs were advised to log into their personal NYSC portal to download and print the document before traveling.
The NYSC used the opportunity to caution PCMs against travelling at night to their camps. This warning comes amid growing concerns over road safety and insecurity in some parts of the country.
“PCMs are advised not to travel at night to the orientation camp,” the NYSC warned, echoing a message it has consistently repeated over the years to prevent accidents, kidnappings, or other security threats that are more likely to occur during night travel.
Parents and guardians have also been urged to support this directive by ensuring their wards leave early enough and arrive at their destinations during daylight.
With the orientation course approaching, thousands of graduates from universities and polytechnics across Nigeria are preparing to take part in the one-year mandatory service. The NYSC scheme, established in 1973, was created to foster national unity and integration by deploying graduates to states outside their origin for community development and public service.
Here are some key things PCMs need to do before leaving for camp:
1. Print Your Call-Up Letter: This document contains your deployment details, including the state and address of your orientation camp.
2. Download and Print the Addendum: As stated by NYSC, this document is essential for verification in camp.
3. Prepare Required Documents: These include academic certificates, passport photographs, valid ID, and any other documents listed in your call-up letter.
4. Pack Appropriately: Essential items include white T-shirts, shorts, sports shoes, toiletries, and bedding.
5. Arrive Early and Travel Safely: To avoid unnecessary stress or safety risks, PCMs should aim to reach camp a day before the opening date.
The NYSC orientation course, which usually lasts for three weeks, marks the beginning of the service year. During this period, corps members undergo physical drills, skills acquisition training, and lectures on national issues, security, and community service. It is also a time for building friendships and preparing mentally for the challenges and opportunities of the service year.
The orientation program is usually conducted under strict rules, including a regimented daily schedule and supervised activities. Corps members are expected to participate actively and comply with all camp rules and directives.
Over the past few years, security concerns have continued to be a major issue across Nigeria, especially in the North-West and North-Central regions. These challenges have made the NYSC increasingly cautious, regularly issuing travel advisories and taking preventive steps to ensure the safety of its members.
In 2022 and 2023, there were isolated incidents involving corps members being victims of robbery, kidnapping, or road accidents while traveling to their places of primary assignment. These incidents have pushed NYSC to intensify its advocacy against night travel and unsafe routes.
The Nigerian police and other security agencies have also pledged to support the NYSC in ensuring safe movement and protection of corps members, especially during the orientation camp period.
Many prospective corps members expressed a mix of excitement and anxiety following the release of their postings.
“I’m happy I’ve been posted, but I’m also a bit nervous about the travel,” said Favour Uche, a graduate from the University of Benin posted to Plateau State. “My parents have insisted I travel early and avoid risky roads.”
Another PCM, Yusuf Ibrahim, posted to Osun State, said he is eager to begin the service but appreciates the NYSC’s reminder about safety. “We have to take the advice seriously. Better to arrive safe than take chances.”
