NYSC suspends corps members’ deployment to Cross River over dilapidated camp

More Than 20-Year-Old Camp Reportedly in Disrepair

The Obubra orientation camp, formerly located at the site of the Government Science School, is reportedly more than 20 years old and has not undergone any major renovation.

The prolonged absence of significant renovation has reportedly left several structures in a state of disrepair, contributing to concerns about whether the facilities can meet the needs of corps members and the operational requirements of the scheme.

The recent inspection by the NYSC Director-General reportedly brought these concerns into focus, with the source saying the facilities no longer met national standards.

The source also suggested that constructing a new orientation camp could be necessary to resolve the problem, although no official construction plan, funding commitment or timeline was provided.

The condition of the camp has reportedly affected its capacity to accommodate corps members, with its previous intake of about 2,500 per stream dropping to just over 1,000.

The reported relocation requests involving more than 700 corps members further point to the concerns surrounding service conditions in the state, although details of the applications and their approval status were not available.

NYSC, Cross River Government Yet to Respond

Efforts to obtain an official reaction from the NYSC State Secretariat and the scheme’s spokesperson in Cross River State, Mr Ogbang Ogbang, were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

The Cross River State Commissioner for Youth Development, Ijom Ukam, had also not responded to the development.

Consequently, the reported suspension, the timing of its implementation and the plans for addressing the camp’s condition have yet to be confirmed through an official statement from the relevant authorities.

It also remains unclear what immediate measures, if any, the state government intends to take to rehabilitate the existing facilities or provide a replacement camp.

The reported decision places renewed attention on the condition of the Obubra orientation camp and the need to ensure that facilities used for national service orientation meet the required standards.

Until the NYSC or the state government provides further clarification, the status of deployment for subsequent batches remains uncertain, while corps members awaiting postings to Cross River may face changes to their expected service arrangements.