If you’ve just been mobilized for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), get ready, you’re about to hear a lot of words and expressions that sound strange at first but quickly become part of your daily vocabulary.

Every year, corps members across Nigeria develop and share a unique set of NYSC slang and phrases that capture camp life, service experiences, and the funny moments in between.

NYSC Slang and Phrases

1. Otondo

“Otondo” is probably the first slang you’ll hear the moment you step into camp. It’s used to refer to new corps members who are fresh and just learning the ropes. Everyone starts as an Otondo, even the most confident graduate.

2. Allawee

This refers to the monthly allowance paid to corps members by the federal government. It’s one of the most used words during service year.

3. PPA (Place of Primary Assignment)

Your PPA is the organization or institution where you’ll be posted to work after camp, such as a school, company, or government office. You’ll spend most of your NYSC year there.

4. LGI (Local Government Inspector)

Your LGI is the NYSC official in charge of corps members within a particular local government area. They handle monthly clearance, postings, and discipline.

5. ZI (Zonal Inspector)

The Zonal Inspector supervises multiple local governments under the NYSC scheme. They’re basically your LGI’s boss and help coordinate corps member affairs across zones.

6. SAED (Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development)

A compulsory program during orientation camp that teaches corps members business and vocational skills like fashion design, photography, baking, or soap making.

7. CDS (Community Development Service)

CDS is a weekly service activity where corps members contribute to community development through various groups, health, education, charity, and more.

8. Clearance

“Clearance” is the monthly verification process where you sign in at the NYSC office to confirm that you’re active at your PPA. Without clearance, you won’t get your allawee!

9. Platoon

In camp, all corps members are divided into platoons, usually 1 to 10 or 12 for organization and participation in activities like drills, cooking competitions, and sports.

10. Camp Commandant

The military officer in charge of the orientation camp, responsible for drills, discipline, and parade training. If you hear “Camp Commandant is coming!”, just stand straight and look serious.

11. Man O’ War

These are the paramilitary trainers who handle physical and team-building exercises during camp. You’ll see them running obstacle courses, shouting commands, and encouraging corps members to push their limits.

12. Redeployment

Redeployment means requesting a transfer to another state or location after being posted. Common reasons include health issues, marital status, or security concerns.

13. POP (Passing Out Parade)

POP marks the official end of your NYSC service year. It’s a big celebration where corps members receive their discharge certificates and say goodbye to service life.

14. PCM (Prospective Corps Member)

Before camp, you’ll often be called a PCM, a prospective corps member meaning you’ve registered but haven’t yet been mobilized or reported to camp.

15. Double-Up!

A common phrase from camp soldiers meaning “move faster!” You’ll hear it during morning drills, parades, and marching sessions.

16. OBS (Orientation Broadcasting Service)

The media team in camp responsible for announcements, interviews, and entertainment. If you love media or journalism, you can volunteer to join the OBS.

17. White Fowl / White Fowl Parade

A funny nickname for the NYSC white-on-white uniform, white shorts, white T-shirt, and white sneakers. Everyone looks the same, and the resemblance to white fowls is uncanny!

18. Mami Market

The camp marketplace where you can buy food, snacks, drinks, and other essentials. It’s one of the liveliest spots in camp and often where corps members hang out after drills.

19. Ghosting

When a corps member stops showing up at PPA or CDS meetings without officially redeploying or reporting. It’s risky because it can lead to service extension or disciplinary action.

20. NYSC Family House

Accommodation provided by religious bodies (like NCCF, NACC, or MCAN) where corps members can stay during their service year, especially if their PPA doesn’t offer housing.

21. Corper Shun

A friendly greeting among corps members, it’s short for “Corper, attention!” and often followed by playful responses like “Double up!” or “At ease!”

Final Thoughts

The NYSC experience comes with its own culture, language, and humor. These slang terms and phrases aren’t just words, they represent the shared memories, challenges, and laughter that make the service year unforgettable.