Cross River State shuts the dilapidated Obubra NYSC camp and relocates corps members to Akamkpa.
The Cross River State government has ordered the immediate shutdown of the Permanent Orientation Camp in Obubra for a comprehensive renovation. Governor Bassey Otu approved the shutdown to address years of infrastructural decay that threatened the safety of corps members.
To prevent any disruption to the orientation exercises, the government approved the temporary relocation of the camp to the University of Education and Entrepreneurship in Akamkpa. The decision comes after mounting pressure from national authorities, according to information published by The Sun Nigeria.
The intervention aims to salvage a worsening situation characterized by decrepit facilities, poor water supply, and overstretched infrastructure that previously forced many young graduates to process relocations out of the state.
Decades of infrastructural neglect at Obubra camp
For years, the Obubra camp has been in the eye of the storm over decrepit hostels, bad toilets, and poor water supply. The facility, which formerly housed the Government Science School, Obubra, has not witnessed major renovation in over 20 years.
This prolonged neglect significantly reduced its operational capacity from 2,500 corps members per stream down to just over 1,000. The situation deteriorated to the point where over 700 corps members posted to the state during the last orientation reportedly processed relocation to other states.
NYSC national leadership threatened to stop postings
The worsening conditions at the facility recently forced the NYSC national leadership to threaten to stop posting corps members to Cross River State entirely. The state government finally moved to salvage the situation, describing the renovation as urgent and necessary.
In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Anthony Enoh, the administration acknowledged that the camp has become overstretched and requires urgent intervention to meet modern standards and provide a safe environment.
Temporary relocation to Akamkpa facilities
The state government emphasized that the relocation to the University of Education and Entrepreneurship, Akamkpa, is strictly temporary. The orientation camp will officially return to Obubra upon the completion of all infrastructural upgrade works.
Prof Anthony Enoh stated that the new host institution has been thoroughly assessed and found to have adequate facilities, including functional hostels, reliable water and electricity, a standard parade ground, and robust security architecture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Obubra NYSC camp shut down?
The Cross River State government shut down the Obubra Permanent Orientation Camp due to years of infrastructural decay, including decrepit hostels, bad toilets, and poor water supply that threatened corps members.
Where are corps members temporarily relocated?
Corps members are temporarily relocated to the University of Education and Entrepreneurship in Akamkpa, which boasts adequate hostels, water, electricity, and robust security architecture.
Who approved the shutdown and relocation of the camp?
Governor Bassey Otu approved the shutdown and temporary relocation, with the official announcement contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Anthony Enoh.
Will the NYSC camp return to Obubra after renovations?
Yes, the state government confirmed that the relocation to Akamkpa is strictly temporary and the orientation camp will return to Obubra once the comprehensive renovation works are completed.
