List of essentials for NYSC orientation camp, Nigeria.

The call up letters for batch B, NYSC( National Youth Service Corps) members can now be printed online, the orientation camps will begin on 24th November to 14th December 2016, according to NYSC timetable , The NYSC scheme was started in 1973 by President Gowon, after the Nigerian civil war ended in a bid to better educate graduates about Nigeria, back then when the scheme started , Corps members from the North will typically get posted to the South and vice versa, the idea was to take people away from their state of origin and where they schooled to other regions to create a better understanding of the diversity of Nigeria and probably unite the nation as one. But in recent years the scheme has been highly criticized after Corps members were targeted and killed during riots and religious crisis since they are seen as strangers etc.

This post is not to give credit or discredit the scheme as it is with most things in life there are pros and cons, some people have met their live partners in this scheme, some have formed bonds and friendship that they probably won't have if not for the scheme, others have paid the ultimate price in service etc.

 This post is mainly to talk about essential things which you'll need during the 3 weeks NYSC orientation camp.

1. Money - Physical cash, you'll need a lot of this although you'll typically get paid something called bicycle allowance and towards the end of camp, you'll be paid your first stipend or allowance, typically called "allowee", but it all depends on the sort of person you are, like they say " money answereth all things", so its best you take enough money to make your stay in camp comfortable to the barest minimum. Personally I'll say if you are the conservative type, about 30 thousand naira should do the trick, although meals are provided 3 times daily, and some people do survive solely on that, but that's very rare because you may need to print pictures, hangout with your friends, recharge your phones, do your laundry etc. 

2.  Waist Pouch  Waist bag - whatever you want to call it, although I heard its not allowed in a few camps but this is very handy because that is where you keep all your personal belongings, from keys to money,mobile phones etc, you must remember that the camp will have thousands of people from different backgrounds and this means the good, the bad and the ugly.

3. Buckets - I recommend you buy at least two, which you can typically get from the " Mami" or the make shift market in camp, the reason you need two is that you may need to store water to shower and probably use the rest room where and if there is a functional WC toilet.

4. White T shirts and Shorts - ,Personally I'll recommend you get a minimum of 7 white t-shirts, some people call them BYC and at least 4shorts, that way you'll always remain clean and if you have to send some to the laundry, you'll have some spare to use, I need remind you that the NYSC does provide 2 pairs of Shorts and 2 white T-shirts, but most times they are of the worse quality in the market and you may not even get your size.

5. Power Bank or Spare battery - Although the camps usually have a generating set for power supply but like with the typical situation in Nigeria , power supply isn't always constant and if your phone has a removable battery, you are in luck, because you can send one to the vendors at the "Mami" market while using the spare one on your phone.

6. Pair of trainers or Tennis shoes, although the NYSC is suppose to provide this but its best you bring yours from home, because of sizing issues etc.

7. Underwears - You probably need as many or even more than I mentioned in number 4.

8. Photocopies - Have photocopies of your documents readily available and probably your CV too, you need maybe about 15 copies because you may need them after camp.

9. Passport photographs you need a ridiculous number of this, I'll say about 20 copies, because there are so many documents you need to fill during the registration process.

10. Stationery : there are forms to fill and most often pens do go missing, so it will come in handy to have about 10.

11. Padlocks - Some people have sticky fingers and its your duty to protect your personal belongings as effectively as possible, 

12. Rechargeable Torch - you'll need this incase nature calls at night or maybe in the morning when you need to shower as this is typically done in open air in the early hours of the day.

13. Personal items or effect : Tooth brush, tooth paste, soaps, sanitary pads, tissue papers, took pick, roll on or deodorant, body spray, lip gloss, etc things you typically take along with you on trips.

14. Mug, Spoon , Plates - You need to take your own cups, mugs and spoons, note that table knife and fork isn't allowed to be more precise no sharp object is allowed.

Note: I need to mention here that most of the things listed here can be purchased in camp, although they may be slightly more expensive and that would mean you need more money that I initially stated in number 1.

* Ensure that you secure a bed space in the smallest available room if possible, work as a team with some "friends" while others maintain your position in the queue you should go around to get a bed and bed space, those things that do not require your registration number, should be done early.

This list is a work in progress and as I remember more things I'll add them.