Ogun Blames NYSC Deployment Surge for Sagamu Camp Overcrowding

The Ogun State Government has blamed the overcrowding at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp in Sagamu on a significant increase in the number of prospective corps members posted to the state.

The explanation followed the circulation of a viral video showing graduates sleeping in a crowded multipurpose hall at the camp, popularly known as the Five-Star Camp, with mattresses arranged closely together on the floor and some prospective corps members reportedly sharing sleeping spaces.

The Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to Governor Dapo Abiodun, Kayode Akinmade, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, describing the arrangement captured in the footage as a temporary measure during the registration exercise.

He explained that the camp, which normally accommodates slightly above 2,000 corps members per batch, received more than 4,300 prospective corps members for the current exercise, placing considerable pressure on its facilities.

According to him, registration, screening, credential verification and hostel allocation are handled by NYSC officials and do not fall directly under the responsibility of the state government.

Akinmade said prospective corps members were required to complete their documentation and screening before being assigned hostel spaces. Those whose registration extended into the night were temporarily accommodated in the multipurpose hall, where mattresses were provided.

He added that the state government had continued to support the scheme through interventions aimed at improving the welfare of corps members.

The government provided 500 mattresses for the current exercise, while the Akarigbo of Remo donated 100 mattresses and subsequently supplied another 200.

Akinmade also recalled that Governor Abiodun recently approved ₦50,000 each for 3,050 corps members in the 2026 Batch C Stream I to support their transportation expenses.

He maintained that Ogun State had been adjudged the best in the country in NYSC administration, describing the recognition as evidence of the government's sustained commitment to supporting the scheme.

The governor's aide urged the public to distinguish between the operational responsibilities of the NYSC and the supportive role of the state government, assuring that the administration would continue to provide assistance to improve conditions for corps members.

Meanwhile, the overcrowding has generated criticism on social media, with Nigerians questioning the preparedness of the authorities and the adequacy of accommodation at the camp.

A civic technology and accountability organisation, MonITNG, described the situation as a national disgrace and called on the NYSC Director-General and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to investigate the incident.

The organisation also urged authorities to improve accommodation, healthcare, sanitation, feeding and security at orientation camps across the country.

The NYSC Public Relations Officer in Ogun State, Tejumade Awoleye, declined to comment on the incident when contacted, saying the state coordinator and Director-General were better positioned to address the matter.