Babagana Zulum Approves Relocation of NYSC Camp in Borno

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has approved the relocation of the permanent orientation camp of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) from its current location within Maiduguri city centre to Government Secondary School, Auno.

The governor said the decision was guided by sustainability, security considerations and the need for future expansion, stressing that long-term planning must take precedence over short-term convenience.

Zulum made this known during an inspection of the proposed site alongside the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, and other senior officials of the scheme.

Sustainability and Expansion Plans

According to the governor, Borno State could soon be hosting between 3,000 and 5,000 corps members annually, a development that would place significant pressure on infrastructure if the camp remains within the city centre.

“One of the key reasons I am proposing this location is sustainability. Keeping such a large population within the town will create pressure on infrastructure,” Zulum stated.

He noted that the ongoing construction of a bypass located about two to 2.5 kilometres from the site would enhance accessibility. He also referenced the proximity of a soon-to-be commissioned Teaching Hospital and Borno State University, describing the corridor as an emerging institutional and development hub.

“If we are serious about long-term planning, we must move to a more spacious and strategic location,” he added.

Facilities and Security Measures

The proposed facility includes two hostels with eight dormitories, a dining hall and kitchen, 26 classrooms with attached offices, seven laboratories, and 12 additional rooms. It also features an overhead water tank and a solar-powered borehole.

Zulum disclosed that the classrooms alone can accommodate between 1,300 and 1,500 corps members at a time.

On security, the governor assured that the location can be effectively fortified, citing the proximity of military formations and checkpoints in the area. He pledged to strengthen the perimeter fencing, improve security architecture and install modern surveillance technology if the site is approved after final assessment.

He also promised to provide accommodation for NYSC officials, including the possible acquisition of additional housing within the Federal Mass Housing Estate.

NYSC DG Commends Proposal

In his remarks, the NYSC Director-General commended Governor Zulum’s initiative, describing it as rare and forward-looking.

He noted that the Federal Government has steadily increased annual mobilisation figures—from 300,000 corps members in previous years to 450,000 in 2026—making expansion of orientation camp facilities nationwide a necessity.

Nafiu emphasised that security remains a key consideration in deploying corps members across the country and lauded the governor for involving security commanders, including the Garrison Commander and Theatre Intelligence Commander, in the site assessment process.

The relocation plan, if finalised, is expected to enhance capacity, improve security and strengthen the operational efficiency of the NYSC scheme in Borno State.