NYSC Denies Withholding Corps Member’s Certificate Over Political Criticism

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has refuted claims that it withheld the Certificate of National Service of corps member Ushie Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as “Raye,” because she criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

NYSC spokesperson, Caroline Embu, said on Sunday that Raye’s certificate was delayed due to disciplinary reasons, not political ones. According to her, Raye missed the mandatory biometric clearance for April, which led to a standard two-month extension of her service year, in line with NYSC bye-laws.

“She is one of 131 corps members affected by such sanctions,” Embu explained, stressing that the measure was a routine procedure applied equally to all defaulters.

Raye, who served in Lagos State, became popular earlier this year after a viral video in which she complained about the high cost of living and economic hardship in Nigeria.