Congratulations to all prospective corps members as they begin preparations for the three-week compulsory NYSC orientation camp exercise.

To help you have a smooth experience from the first day of camp until the end of the orientation exercise, here is a comprehensive guide to the important documents, personal items, clothing and other necessities you should prepare before travelling to camp.

Required Documents

NERD Clearance Slip

The NERD clearance slip is an official document confirming that a university graduate has successfully uploaded their final-year project to the Nigerian Education Repository and Databank.

PCMs should go to camp with their NERD clearance slip, as it is required for camp registration.

Statement of Result

The statement of result is an official document issued by an institution to a graduate after the graduate has met the requirements approved by the university senate and completed the necessary institutional clearance processes.

School ID Card

The school ID card serves as a means of identification and confirms that an individual was a student of a particular institution.

PCMs should bring their school ID card to camp and make several photocopies.

Passport Photographs

Passport photographs will be required for several purposes during camp, including registration and account opening. They may also be attached to meal tickets.

All prospective corps members are advised to come to camp with at least 12 passport photographs.

It is advisable to take the photographs before travelling because the cost of getting them at camp may be higher.

Medical Fitness Certificate

The medical fitness certificate confirms that a prospective corps member has undergone the required medical examination.

PCMs should obtain the certificate from a certified medical centre and bring it to the orientation camp.

Do not patronise unverified or illegal merchants who advertise medical certificates online. Documents presented at camp may be scrutinised during registration.

Green Card

The Green Card is available on the prospective corps member’s NYSC dashboard after the call-up letter has been issued.

It contains the PCM’s personal information and should be printed and taken to the orientation camp.

It is advisable to go with at least six photocopies.

NIN

The National Identification Number (NIN) may be required for identification and account-opening purposes at camp. PCMs are therefore advised to bring their NIN details or document with them.

Medical Professional Licence

Medical professionals who have completed their housemanship or other applicable professional requirements should bring their relevant professional licence to camp for registration.

IT Certificate

Polytechnic graduates should bring their Industrial Training (IT) certificate as proof that they completed the required IT programme.

Addendum

The addendum contains important directives and information for prospective corps members. It is displayed on the portal when a PCM logs into their account.

PCMs should read the addendum carefully and come to camp with photocopies. Keeping the original available is also advisable.

Documents for Female Married PCMs

Female married PCMs should make the following additional documents available:

1. Marriage Certificate

A recognised marriage certificate helps verify the PCM’s marital status and supports relevant NYSC requests concerning deployment.

2. Newspaper Publication

Where a married PCM has changed her name from the name appearing on her educational documents, a newspaper publication documenting the change of name may be required.

She should come to camp with a copy of the publication.

3. Domicile Letter

A domicile letter may be required to support a request relating to the location of the female PCM’s husband. The letter can be obtained from the relevant government council office and may assist with deployment considerations.

Female married PCMs should also provide every other document listed in the general camp requirements.

Documents for Foreign-Trained Graduates

PCMs who obtained their higher education outside Nigeria may be required to provide additional documents to validate their educational qualifications.

1. International Passport

Foreign-trained PCMs should bring their international passport for camp registration and verification.

2. Resident Permit

A resident permit may be required as evidence of the PCM’s legal residence in the country where they completed their education.

3. Evaluation Letter

An evaluation letter is issued by the relevant Nigerian authorities to assess the accreditation and validity of the foreign institution and qualification.

Foreign-trained graduates should also bring any other applicable documents listed in their NYSC portal and the general camp requirements.

Hygiene and Personal Care Items

Every PCM who meets the applicable requirements will be admitted into camp. While the NYSC provides certain basic facilities, prospective corps members should come prepared with personal hygiene and self-care items.

Individual needs vary, so you should adjust the quantity of items according to your personal needs, budget and length of stay.

Major Hygiene Requirements for Male PCMs

• Body cream
• Hair cream
• Comb and hair spray
• Roll-on
• Perfume
• Body soap
• Body sponge
• Towel and face wipe
• Tissue paper
• Bowl or bucket
• Sunglasses

These are basic personal-care items. PCMs should take enough to last throughout their stay and make reasonable adjustments based on their personal needs and financial situation.

Major Hygiene Requirements for Female PCMs

• Body cream
• Hair cream
• Comb and hair spray
• Roll-on
• Perfume
• Powder
• Body soap
• Body sponge
• Towel and face wipe
• Sanitary pads
• Makeup kit
• Tissue paper
• Bowl or bucket
• Hair wig
• Sunglasses

The quantity required will vary depending on individual preferences and needs.

Clothing and Other Personal Items

PCMs should also come with personal clothing for parade, social activities and religious activities.

Recommended items include:

• Pairs of white socks
• White polo shirts and shorts
• White sneakers — original or rubber
• Traditional or modern outfits — at least two of each, where applicable
• Coloured clothing, either native or English wear
• Boxers, pants or tights
• Soap
• Detergent
• Waist bag

Food and Snacks

It is advisable to bring basic light food items that can be consumed without cooking.

Examples include snacks, tea and other convenient food items, depending on what you can afford and your personal preferences.

Other Useful Accessories

Other useful items to bring include:

• Phone
• Charger
• Power bank
• Torchlight
• Marker pens
• Plates and spoons
• Document file/folder

Keep important documents organised in a waterproof or secure file to make registration easier.

Clothing and Appearance to Avoid

During official camp activities, PCMs should avoid clothing and appearances that do not comply with NYSC camp expectations.

These include:

• Regular civilian clothes such as jeans and coloured trousers during official camp hours.
• Non-issued T-shirts, crop tops and off-shoulder blouses.
• Revealing or indecent outfits, including mini skirts and sleeveless tops.
• Extremely tight-fitting clothes, including excessively tight khakis.
• Transparent fabrics.
• Sagging trousers.
• Fancy or designer slippers and sandals.
• High heels.
• Non-white sneakers for activities where white footwear is required.
• Camouflage patterns reserved for military use.
• Loud hair colours such as red, green or blue.
• Heavy makeup or excessively long/artificial nails.
• Wearing the NYSC cap backwards, except where permitted during specific activities such as Man O’ War.

NYSC emphasises modesty and uniformity, and officials have publicly warned against tight khakis and improper dressing.

Other Things Strictly Not Allowed

The following items may be confiscated at the camp gate or may result in sanctions:

Weapons and Sharp Objects

• Knives
• Scissors
• Blades
• Razors
• Guns
• Pepper spray
• Other potentially dangerous objects

Alcohol and Illegal Substances

Alcohol and illegal substances are prohibited and may attract serious disciplinary consequences.

Cooking Equipment

Do not bring:

• Stoves
• Gas cylinders
• Boiling rings
• Electric cookers
• Other cooking equipment

Certain Electronics

Some electronic items may be discouraged or restricted because of safety, power or security concerns.

These may include:

• Laptops
• Tablets
• Extension cords
• Pressing irons
• Clippers
• Large speakers
• Cameras and drones beyond the phone camera

Phones and power banks are generally allowed.

Vehicles

Vehicles such as cars and motorcycles are not permitted as personal camp items.

Mattresses

Camp provides basic mattresses, so there is generally no need to travel with a mattress from home.

Excessive Luggage

Avoid excessive luggage and oversized suitcases. Pack only what you genuinely need for the orientation exercise.

Other Prohibited Items

Pets, raw foodstuffs that require cooking and other items that create fire or safety hazards should not be taken into camp.

Final Advice

Preparing properly before leaving for NYSC camp can make the registration process and your overall orientation experience much easier.

Organise your documents, make the necessary photocopies, pack your personal-care items and choose appropriate clothing before travelling.

Most importantly, follow instructions from NYSC officials and avoid taking prohibited items to camp.

Congratulations once again to all prospective corps members as they begin their three-week orientation exercise. We hope this guide helps you prepare properly and have a smoother experience in camp.