Corps Members Decry Deplorable Conditions at Gombe NYSC Camp

Corps Members currently undergoing orientation at the Gombe State NYSC camp have raised serious concerns about what they describe as unsafe and degrading living conditions, urging immediate intervention from the relevant authorities.

According to several Corps Members, the camp has become virtually uninhabitable following days of heavy rainfall, which led to flooding of multiple hostels and damage to personal belongings. Eyewitness accounts and images circulated online depict submerged buildings, stagnant water, and visibly weakened infrastructure across the facility.

“The roofs leak, the windows are broken, and there are cracks in the walls. Every night we sleep with one eye open, praying the building doesn’t collapse,” one Corps Member said anonymously. “When it rains, our beds get soaked. We are living in fear—not in service.”

The deteriorating state of the camp has sparked public outcry on social media, with one viral post reading: “This is not what we signed up for. We are serving our nation, but the nation is failing to serve us. We are not asking for luxury—just safety and dignity.”

Others at the camp expressed fear of a potential health crisis, citing the risk of waterborne diseases, injuries, and general insecurity. Some believe the situation stems from years of neglect and lack of maintenance.

“The government’s silence is dangerous. If nothing is done urgently, we fear a tragedy might occur here,” another Corps Member lamented.

Under the NYSC Act, governments at all levels are obligated to provide suitable facilities and ensure the welfare and safety of Corps Members throughout their service year. However, participants say the current state of the Gombe orientation camp is a glaring violation of that mandate.

As concerns mount, calls are growing louder for the NYSC authorities and the Gombe State Government to act swiftly—by carrying out immediate repairs, improving sanitation, and upholding the dignity of national service.