16 prospective NYSC corps members from Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo, lost their lives while traveling to the Gombe orientation camp. The incident has sent shockwaves across the nation, prompting an outpouring of grief from family, friends, and concerned citizens.
This heartbreaking event has reignited debates about the safety and relevance of the National Youth Service Corps NYSC scheme. Many Nigerians are questioning whether it is appropriate to continue posting corps members to states far from their place of residence, given the recurring accidents and risks associated with long-distance travel. Some have even called for a complete overhaul or scrapping of the scheme to prevent further loss of lives.
It was just yesterday that I made a tweet about this and idiots were weeping in my mentions.
Now, you all can see.
NYSC IS NOT WORTH YOUR LIFE!
Defer it, and keep deferring it, until you get a nearby state. https://t.co/MLDLPYOn3a
— Máfejópamí (@VillageParrot) November 19, 2025
If your parents let you go for service in certain high-risk northern states, just understand they’re not putting your safety first. No real parent knowingly sends their child into danger.
May their souls rest in peace.💔💔
— Ayodeji (@_Solarin) November 19, 2025
An incident like always leaves me questioning the essence of NYSC programme. Yes, I understand that the original intent is to help Nigerian youth to explore other culture and appreciate beauty of other region of the country.
But, no programme is worth the lives of our youth.…
— Colin (@SolPlayeer) November 20, 2025
@ayowisdom_ Hon. Minister, it is high time you reformed the NYSC. Nigeria can not keep losing it’s young graduates. Let people be posted to their to serve in their Region. South west graduates serve in their Region OR give PCMs the right to choose 3-5 states they want to serve
— FPL Jackson (@0laYimika) November 20, 2025
This is exactly why people keep asking why NYSC is still dragging young graduates across dangerous highways like it’s 1973. Sixteen lives gone in one trip…..not by terr%rists this time, but by a system that refuses to evolve or protect the people it claims to “build.”
How many…
— Damolá Olarewaju (@RealDamola) November 20, 2025
It is important to note that this is not the first tragedy of its kind. Over the years, there have been multiple reports of accidents and fatalities involving corps members traveling to orientation camps or service locations. These incidents underscore the need for urgent reforms to ensure the safety and well-being of young Nigerians participating in the program.
This also happened earlier this year when we were going to camp, we were going to Jos but the accident happened alongside Kwara to jebba road but we gave glory to God because there were no casualties but some were injured.
That’s the video of the Bus we took. pic.twitter.com/A6PmT4zSzm— TEMILOLUWA (@loozdev781) November 20, 2025
This is devastating to read, man. Knowing that my case could easily have been no different from theirs… While I was en route to my orientation camp in Kwara, we also had an accident. The vehicle somersaulted, but luckily it was non-fatal. Some people did sustain injuries, though pic.twitter.com/8NKIdvd8Gw
— James (@Tararan01) November 20, 2025
The question now looms: should the NYSC scheme be restructured to prioritize safety, or is it time to consider alternative ways of fostering national unity without putting lives at risk? The nation waits anxiously for answers and concrete actions from the authorities.