The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to establish additional permanent orientation camps and rehabilitate existing ones to ensure seamless participation of prospective corps members in the National Youth Service Corps scheme.
This resolution followed the adoption of a motion presented by Garba Muhammad during Thursday’s plenary session.
In his motion, Muhammad highlighted that the NYSC annually trains thousands of Nigerian youths for three weeks, preparing them with essential skills and knowledge required for their service year.
He noted that the management of the NYSC had previously decried the deteriorating state of orientation camps across the country.
“The House is alarmed that some states lack orientation camps altogether, while others rely on temporary use of secondary school facilities to accommodate prospective corps members,” Muhammad said.
He expressed concern over the dilapidated state of existing camps, stating that inadequate facilities have led to overcrowding and the redeployment of corps members to neighbouring states for orientation.
“Due to space limitations, corps members often face extended travel times after deployment, creating logistical challenges and added stress,” he added.
Muhammad stressed the need for modern, spacious camps in each state capable of hosting at least 5,000 participants.
He emphasised that investing in state-of-the-art facilities would empower corps members with life and survival skills, contributing to national development.
The motion received overwhelming support when put to a voice vote by the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas.
Following its adoption, the House urged the Federal Government to collaborate with state governments to construct new camps and upgrade existing ones to accommodate a minimum of 5,000 corps members in each state.
It also called on the Federal Ministry of Youth to liaise with relevant stakeholders to develop actionable plans for building and expanding NYSC orientation facilities.
Additionally, the House mandated its Committees on Youth Development and Legislative Compliance to ensure implementation and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
