NYSC Clarifies Withdrawal of Corps Member’s Certificate After Viral Criticism of President Tinubu
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NYSC Clarifies Withdrawal of Corps Member’s Certificate After Viral Criticism of President Tinubu |
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has addressed the controversy surrounding the withdrawal of a discharge certificate belonging to corps member Rita Uguamaye, who went viral after publicly criticizing President Bola Tinubu over the state of the nation.
Uguamaye gained nationwide attention when she posted a viral video condemning the Federal Government for delaying the payment of the newly approved corps members’ allowance. Earlier in 2025, the government had increased the NYSC monthly allowance from ₦33,000 to ₦77,000, but the delay in payment sparked frustration among serving corps members.
In her video, Uguamaye alleged that the delay was inflicting unnecessary hardship on corps members across the country. While many Nigerians praised her courage, others argued that it was inappropriate for a serving member to openly criticize the government or the scheme.
Rumors of Service Extension and Certificate Withdrawal
Following her remarks, unconfirmed reports circulated that her service year was extended — a known punitive measure for corps members found in violation of NYSC regulations. However, fresh claims that her Certificate of National Service (CNS) was withdrawn triggered renewed public debate.
In response, the NYSC management issued an official statement to clear the air.
NYSC’s Official Statement on Rita Uguamaye’s Case
According to the statement from NYSC headquarters:
“The NYSC Management wishes to clarify misleading information circulating on social media regarding Corps Member Ushie Rita Uguamaye, State Code number LA/24B/8325.
Contrary to false claims that she was denied a Certificate of National Service due to critical remarks about the government, this assertion is entirely unfounded.
Rita is among the 131 corps members whose certificates were withheld for valid disciplinary reasons. Specifically, Rita’s service year has been extended by two months for failing to attend the April 2025 biometrics clearance — a decision in line with the NYSC Bye-Laws.
This extension is a standard procedure, not unique to her, and reflects NYSC’s principle of equal treatment. We urge the public not to politicize the matter.”
The management further reiterated that extending a service year for non-compliance with clearance procedures is a long-standing tradition within the scheme and unrelated to political views or public criticism.
Understanding NYSC Service Year Extensions
Service extensions in the NYSC programme are not uncommon. The scheme has a set of by-laws that govern the conduct and obligations of corps members, including:
- Mandatory monthly biometric clearance to confirm attendance in their place of primary assignment.
- Compliance with NYSC posting guidelines.
- Participation in official NYSC activities.
Failure to meet these requirements can result in penalties such as:
- Extension of service year
- Withholding of discharge certificate
- Other disciplinary measures outlined in the NYSC Bye-Laws
In Uguamaye’s case, missing the April 2025 biometric clearance automatically triggered the penalty, as per NYSC rules.
Public Reactions and Social Media Buzz
The incident has sparked conversations on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and WhatsApp groups nationwide. While some Nigerians believe the decision was purely administrative, others insist it may have been influenced by her earlier comments on the Federal Government.
Civil rights activists have urged NYSC to adopt more transparent disciplinary processes to prevent misconceptions. Meanwhile, others have called on corps members to understand the boundaries of public criticism during their service year.
Final Thoughts
The Rita Uguamaye case highlights the delicate balance between free speech and institutional discipline within the NYSC scheme. While it is important for young Nigerians to voice their concerns, serving members are still bound by the laws and regulations of the programme.
For corps members, understanding NYSC rules is crucial to avoiding disciplinary measures that can delay or affect the award of their discharge certificates.
For more information on NYSC regulations, visit the official NYSC portal.
