Are you a freshly minted graduate of a Nigerian university? Have you finally received the call-up letter to serve your fatherland? Are you experiencing mild-to-strong delulu while packing for camp because you think some items aren鈥檛 necessary?
If your answer is yes to all of the above, pay attention, or better still, grab a note and jot things down. We鈥檝e compiled the ultimate list that鈥檒l take your NYSC orientation camp experience from 鈥淕od, abeg鈥 to 鈥淐an we do this again?鈥
NYSC call-up letter
Image source: MySchoolGist
Make sure you carry along three to five copies of this 鈥 with the original. It鈥檚 the rite of passage at the orientation camp entrance.
School ID card
Don鈥檛 leave the house without your student identification card.
School documents
Make sure you come along with original and photocopied copies of your statement of result or degree certificate.
Clear file bag
Image source: Jumia
To keep your documents safe and secure.
Passport photograph
You鈥檒l need a lot of these during the registration process in camp. Best to come with three to six copies.
Extra white shirts and shorts
Image source: X
White is the only acceptable colour in camp, and you only get two free shirts and shorts each. It鈥檚 best to go with extra pairs since you might not have time in between activities to do laundry.
Waist pouch
This is where you鈥檒l keep important things like your phone, money, wallet, meal tickets, etc. It鈥檚 a 24/7 necessity as you鈥檒l be outdoors most of the time, and it鈥檚 not advisable to leave any valuables in your room.
Sanitary pads/tampons
Image source: Brand Afric
Ladies, the mami market traders are out to get you with their outrageous prices, so you better come prepared.
Umbrella
Image source: UBuy Nigeria
See, the sun and NYSC have a mission to completely finish you. An umbrella is how you win this battle.
Toilet paper
The toilet is always a complete mess, even when it鈥檚 not dirty.
Toiletries
Make sure you come with your own bathing soap, sponge, body wash, shampoo, toothpaste, etc.
Plain white tennis shoes
Image source: X
This is your go-to footwear on the campground. Best to go with a rubber version that鈥檚 easier to maintain.
Handkerchiefs or face towels
To maintain your cool when the sun does a number on you.
Rubber slippers
For when your legs need to breathe.
Needle and thread
There鈥檒l be many ripped trousers after the Man O鈥 War activity. Best to have this before the mami market tailor charges N2k for a small stitch.
Sunscreen
With all the outdoor activities, you want to make sure your skin is still skinning after three weeks.
Bucket
Image source: Nuesroom
Might sound unhinged, but you actually need your own bucket to fetch water in camp. You鈥檒l get one from the traders at mami but at triple the price.
Marker
Image source: Konga
It鈥檒l be your best friend on camp. You鈥檒l need it mark your territory on prized possessions like your NYSC kit, bucket and provisions.
Flashlight
Image source: Yaoota
Depending on your location, 24/7 power supply might be a thing or not. Best to keep a rechargeable flashlight close.
Mosquito net and repellent
Image source: PremiumTimes
The mosquitoes in camp don鈥檛 smile, so go prepared. You came to serve your fatherland, not carry malaria on top your head.
Padlocks and keys
Image source: Wikepedia
Listen, petty thieves will be after your provisions, toiletries and other supplies. While this doesn鈥檛 guarantee 100% safety, it鈥檚 a start.
Power bank
Image source: Jumia
Because how else will you capture the once-in-a-lifetime experience if you鈥檙e dealing with battery issues? Charging in Mami is an expense that鈥檒l do a number on your already slim allowance.
Provisions
Image source: Nairaland
Camp food may or may not wage a war against your taste buds. Best to have provisions you can fall back on, especially if you have no plans to make the mami traders ten times richer.
First-aid kit
Every NYSC camp has a health centre, but you might want to come with your little kit of basics like painkillers, plasters and methylated spirit. Or do you trust the government like that?
