Lagos Corps Member Accuses NYSC of Withholding Certificate Over Criticism of Tinubu Government

A Lagos-based member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Ushie Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as Raye, has accused the scheme of deliberately withholding her discharge certificate because of her past criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Uguamaye had earlier drawn public attention after a TikTok video in which she lamented poor living conditions in Lagos, described the state as “smelling,” and condemned the economic hardship under the current government went viral. In a recent video posted on Instagram, she claimed her Local Government Inspector refused to clear her in April despite her presence at the venue, repeatedly sending her to the back of the line before seizing her file and ordering her to leave. She said NYSC officials later told her she would not get her certificate for missing the clearance, a claim she denies.

Frustrated, Uguamaye wrote on social media that she wished she had not been posted to Lagos, calling her service year a waste of time. Her case has since attracted widespread attention and support from prominent figures. Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore condemned the NYSC’s actions as a grave injustice, praising her activism and noting that her outspokenness contributed to the recent increase in corps members’ allowances to ₦77,000. Sowore also alleged that NYSC officials had previously ignored a formal summons regarding her case.

Following her viral video earlier in the year, Uguamaye said she received threats and was pressured to delete the clip, fearing for her safety as the officials involved had access to her personal information. Her ordeal has drawn comments from political leaders and rights groups. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar likened her courage to that of legendary activists Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti and Margaret Ekpo, while Labour Party’s Peter Obi warned against silencing critics. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) called on the president to order the NYSC to stop harassing her, and the Trade Union Congress President Festus Osifo argued that her remarks reflected the sentiments of many Nigerians. In contrast, former presidential aide Reno Omokri insisted corps members should focus on their duties and avoid political commentary.

The NYSC has not issued an official response to the allegations. Attempts by journalists to contact its Director of Press and Public Relations, Edwin Megwa, were unsuccessful as calls and messages were not returned.