From: Muhammad Maitela, Damaturu
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has proposed relocating the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) permanent orientation camp from its current location in Maiduguri metropolis to a more spacious facility at Government Secondary School (GSS) in Auno.
Governor Zulum made the proposal during an on-site assessment of the facility, alongside the Director General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, and other senior management staff of the Corps.
He emphasized that the decision was driven by forward-thinking planning rather than immediate convenience.
“One of the key reasons I am proposing this location is sustainability,” Governor Zulum stated.
“In the next one or two years, we may be hosting between 3,000 and 5,000 corps members. Keeping such a population within the town will create enormous pressure on existing infrastructure.
“If we are serious about long-term planning, we must move to a more spacious and strategic location.
“If this place is deemed suitable after your assessment, we will strengthen the perimeter fence, improve the security architecture, and install modern technological gadgets to prevent intrusion. Once properly secured, this location will be ideal,” he assured.
Governor Zulum further pledged to provide accommodation for NYSC officials, including the potential acquisition of additional housing units within the nearby Federal Mass Housing Estate.
“As governor, I would rather invest public resources in a location that guarantees sustainability, expansion, and long-term value—not one that will soon become congested and inadequate.”
In his remarks, the Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, commended Governor Zulum for what he described as a rare and forward-looking proposal.
“His Excellency’s offering is uncommon. It is futuristic and shows he is thinking far ahead of where we currently are. That is exactly where this scheme is growing into,” Brig. Gen. Nafiu said.
He revealed that the Federal Government has progressively increased the annual mobilization of corps members from 300,000 to 350,000, then to 400,000, and is now projecting 450,000 in 2026—making the need for expanded and secure facilities more critical than ever.
The Director-General lauded Governor Zulum for his proactive approach to security, noting that he had invited the Garrison Commander and Theatre Intelligence Commander to participate in the assessment to provide expert advice on safety requirements.
