The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has apologised for severe overcrowding at its Permanent Orientation Camp in Sagamu, Ogun State, attributing the crisis to a sharp increase in graduates mobilised for national service. Director-General Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu addressed the 2026 Batch C Stream II members, explaining that annual mobilisation figures have risen from approximately 400,000 in 2025 to around 450,000 this year. According to a statement by Director of Information and Public Relations Caroline Embu, Nafiu projected this number could reach between 500,000 and 600,000 within three to five years, placing considerable pressure on existing facilities.
The controversy followed a viral video posted on November 9, showing prospective corps members sleeping in cramped conditions. The footage displayed individuals lying on mattresses arranged closely together in a multipurpose hall. The Ogun State Government noted the camp was designed for slightly more than 2,000 members but received over 4,300. Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun, described the arrangement as temporary for those whose registration extended into the night, pending hostel allocations.
The NYSC emphasised that expanding infrastructure requires substantial financial resources and time, competing with national priorities like security and education. Nafiu clarified that camp maintenance is shared between Federal and state governments, as states own the facilities. The scheme is engaging state governments to encourage facility expansion. Nafiu apologised for the discomfort and assured members that the NYSC is reviewing planning projections to adopt more comprehensive measures for participant welfare.
Omolabake Adewuyi, the NYSC Ogun State Coordinator, disclosed that 4,315 members were registered. Of these, 3,834 were deployed to Ogun, while 481 originally assigned to Lagos were temporarily accommodated in Ogun before proceeding to their primary assignments. Adewuyi confirmed that adequate security personnel have been deployed to ensure safety. She also announced that construction of an additional hostel block is underway to increase capacity for future exercises. The scheme stated it has learned lessons from previous exercises to better cater for potential increases in participants.