COMMANDMENTS FOR PROSPECTIVE CORPS MEMBERS

By; Joseph Tolorunse Moyosoreoluwa, his a corps member serving in Kaima LGA, Kwara State and a member Creative Writing SAED

The National Youth Service Corps orientation camp is an organized environment restricted by different set of rules and regulations which are enforced by NYSC officials, Soldiers, Police officers,Man O' war officials, NDLEA and Civil Defence.  However, here are essential rules for every prospective corps members that should be obeyed and not be violated.


Entering the orientation camp, there's no going out.
 
 Note that immediately you enter the orientation camp you are not allowed to go out until the 3 weeks you are expected to use is completed. But exception can be given to you if you have a strong and valid reason to go outside and this permission can only be given to you by the camp director.
 
 The camp uniform must be obeyed

  Once your kits are given to you, you are expected to change immediately to the camp uniform which is white on white (a white T shirt, white knicker, white socks and white snickers) you are only allowed to put on a mufti on Sunday between 8am till 12noon for those going to church. Other camp activities like Jean carnival are also considered.

Wearing 6/7 for swearing in ceremony

  As prospective corps members you are highly mandated to wear your crested vest, khaki trouser, white socks, jungle boots, belt and cap for your swearing in ceremony. Your khaki shirt is excluded.

   Standing still for Nigeria (6am and 6pm)

  This is a rule that is sacredly observed in all NYSC orientation camps which means paying homage and respect to Nigeria when she's going to bed at 6pm. This is a moment where movement is highly prohibited and all corps members are expected to stand still till the trumpet is being  blown to lower the flag.

 Do not for any reason loose your face cap.

  Your cap is very important to you in and out of camp and most soldiers find it offensive when you are on the parade ground without your cap on your head. So it's advisable for you guide your cap Judiciously if possible inscribe your state code on your cap to avoid it going missing.
 
Smoking of marijuana or any other related hard drug is highly prohibited.

  Hard drugs are not allowed on camp. Any corps member caught violating this rule will have no choice than to face the camp court and be dismissed from the camp. So it is important for corps members to carefully observe and obey this rule.

    Light Outs

  All activities on camp comes to an end at 10pm, a beagle would be blown to signal lights out. During this process, soldiers come around to make sure all corps members are in their hostel. Any corps member found outside after this time will be punished by the soldiers.

 Do not for any reason engage in any form of physical fight with your fellow corps members or any NYSC Official

  If you are being offended by your fellow corps member, it is better you report him/her to an official than to engage in a combat. Also, report any form of physical harassment done to you by any NYSC Official, Soldier, Man O' war or a Police Officer to the camp director instead of protesting or fight as fighting them might leave you with no option than to be decamped.

   bParticipation in camp duties

   There are various duties assigned to each platoon, like going to the kitchen to cook, sanitation, security guard etc. so it is expected for you to participate in any duty assigned to your platoon.

  Attending morning meditations, lectures, and SAED trainings are a must for corps members.

 Punctuality at morning meditation is required of you as attendance would be taken by your platoon officers. Also, different guest and dignitaries are invited to lecture you on social issues affecting our society like Drug Abuse, Corruption in community, Threats to National Security, job opportunities, professional courses and the likes. You are also expected to make yourself available. As a corps member you are expected to join a department in SAED known as Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development in order to make you an independent fellow and to develop your potentials after camp and NYSC.


   Finally if you can strictly adhere to the following camp commandments, you are 100% guaranteed to have to beautiful experience on camp and you won't have any problem with anyone including the officials.