National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has responded to claims that Lagos State corps member Ushie Uguamaye, also known as Raye, was denied her certificate of national service because she criticised the government.
In a statement released on Sunday, the NYSC described the allegation as “entirely unfounded and false,” saying the delay was due to disciplinary breaches.
According to the NYSC, Raye is one of 131 corps members whose certificates were withheld for failing to meet mandatory requirements.
The statement said her service year was extended by two months for missing the compulsory April 2025 biometrics clearance.
“The extension of service is a standard procedure and not unique to Rita’s case,” the NYSC said, adding that the measure was in line with its Bye-Laws.
The corps member, who earlier in the year posted a viral video criticising the government’s economic policies and describing Lagos as “smelling,” alleged that she attended the April biometrics but was not cleared by her Local Government Inspector (LGI).
She said she was told to “go to the back,” had her file seized and was asked to leave.
Raye posted another video claiming she was informed she would not get her certificate for missing the clearance.
“I genuinely wish I wasn’t a Lagos State corps member because it’s a waste of my time,” she said.
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore alleged the NYSC was retaliating against her for her activism.
He called the action “an injustice of the highest order” and said her advocacy contributed to an increase in corps members’ monthly allowances.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said, “What manner of impunity is this? Everything should not be subjected to politics. I hope that Ushie Rita Uguamaye’s NYSC discharge certificate is not being withheld because she had the courage to complain about the economic hardship under the President Bola Tinubu-led administration.
“It is unacceptable that the young lady, who had served her country without queries, should not have received her National Youth Service Corps certificate one year after passing out. The appropriate authorities should take urgent steps to ensure that she gets her discharge certificate.”
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana said the action was “illegal, as it was not authorised by any competent court.”
He compared it to the 1988 confiscation of Bamidele Aturu’s NYSC certificate for rejecting an award.
Falana cited Section 39 of the Constitution on freedom of expression and referenced President Bola Tinubu’s Democracy Day speech cautioning public officers against suppressing dissent.
“In line with the commitment of the President to encourage Nigerians to criticise the government, the Management of the National Youth Service Corps should release the NYSC Discharge Certificate of Rita Uguamaye without any further delay,” he said.
Other political figures and groups have weighed in.
Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi warned against suppressing dissent.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) urged the president to instruct the NYSC to stop any harassment of Uguamaye.
Former presidential aide Reno Omokri criticised her public comments and advised corps members to focus on their duties.
The NYSC has maintained its stance, urging the public not to politicise the matter and saying it remains committed to enforcing its rules and procedures.
