The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has denied claims that it withheld the discharge certificate of Corps Member Ushie Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as “Raye,” because of her criticism of government policies.
In a statement on Sunday, the scheme described the allegation as “entirely unfounded and false in its entirety,” insisting that the decision was based on disciplinary grounds.
“Rita is among the 131 Corps Members whose Certificates of National Service were withheld for valid disciplinary reasons,” the NYSC said. “Specifically, Rita’s service year has been extended by two months for failing to attend the April 2025 biometrics clearance, a decision that aligns with the NYSC Bye-Laws.”
The management stressed that the measure was “a standard procedure and not unique to her case,” adding that the principle of equal treatment applied.
“This extension is a longstanding tradition within the NYSC and should not be politicized,” the statement read. “The NYSC Scheme remains committed to discharging its mandate in line with the dictates of the constitution. Nigeria is ours; Nigeria we serve.”
Kano Times reports that global rights group Amnesty International had accused the NYSC of punishing Raye for her social media criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies.
“The NYSC must rescind its arbitrary and outrageous decision to deny Rita Ushei, widely known as Raye, her discharge certificate after completing her service,” Amnesty said. “Withholding her certificate may not be unconnected with her social media comments on Nigeria’s economic hardship.”
The group described the action as “unacceptable intolerance of dissenting voices” and urged authorities to stop using “abuse of power and intimidation” against citizens who speak out.
