The Ogun State Government has attributed the overcrowding at the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, orientation camp in Sagamu to a significant increase in the number of prospective corps members deployed to the state.
The government's explanation followed public outrage over a viral video showing prospective corps members sleeping in an overcrowded multipurpose hall at the camp, popularly known as the Five-Star Camp.
The Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to Governor Dapo Abiodun, Kayode Akinmade, reacted to the development in a statement on Monday.
According to him, the camp, which typically accommodates slightly above 2,000 corps members per batch, received more than 4,300 prospective corps members for the current exercise.
Akinmade explained that the situation arose because prospective corps members had to undergo registration, credential verification and screening before being allocated hostel spaces.
He said those whose registration extended into the night were temporarily accommodated in the multipurpose hall, where mattresses were provided.
“The video captured a temporary arrangement during the registration exercise, which continued into the night,” he said.
Akinmade clarified that the registration, screening, credential verification and hostel allocation processes were handled by NYSC officials and did not fall under the direct responsibility of the state government.
He, however, said the Ogun State Government had continued to support the scheme through interventions aimed at improving the welfare of corps members.
He disclosed that the state government provided 500 mattresses for the current exercise, while the Akarigbo of Remo donated 300 mattresses.
The governor's aide also recalled that Abiodun recently approved N50,000 each for 3,050 corps members in the 2026 Batch C Stream I to support their transportation.
He maintained that the state government would continue to provide necessary assistance to ensure a conducive environment for corps members serving in Ogun.
The controversy followed the circulation of a video showing prospective corps members packed into a room, with mattresses placed closely together on the floor. Some were also seen sharing mattresses.
An X user, Ayohid01, who appeared to be among those affected, expressed frustration over the situation.
“Bro, I can’t believe I am experiencing this right now at Ogun State camp Unna no try at all,” the user wrote.
Meanwhile, the NYSC Public Relations Officer in Ogun State, Mrs Tejumade Awoleye, declined to comment on the incident when contacted.
She said the state coordinator and the Director-General of the scheme were in a better position to address the situation.
“I can’t speak on the incident, it is the state coordinator and the Director General of the NYSC that can address the issue,” she said.
NYSC: Ogun Govt blames surge in corps members for overcrowding in Sagamu camp