Omoyele Sowore Leads Protest at NYSC Headquarters Over Withheld Certificate of Corps Member “Raye”
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Omoyele Sowore Leads Protest at NYSC Headquarters Over Withheld Certificate of Corps Member “Raye” |
Prominent human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, on Tuesday, led a peaceful protest to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Headquarters in Abuja. The demonstration was in solidarity with Ushie Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as Raye, a female corps member whose NYSC discharge certificate has reportedly been withheld.
Sowore was joined by other activists, including well-known human rights lawyer and Raye’s legal representative, Inibehe Effiong. Their demand was straightforward — the immediate release of Raye’s certificate upon the completion of her mandatory national service.
Background to the Protest
In a post shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) page, Sowore stated that the protest was aimed at ensuring Raye receives the certificate she had earned after fulfilling her national service obligations.
“By 9am tomorrow, we will resume at the Maitama Abuja HQ of the National Youth Service Corps @officialnyscng to receive the Discharge Certificate of Corps Member Ushie Rita Uguamaye ‘Raye’, who has successfully concluded her compulsory service,” Sowore wrote.
The protest follows allegations by Raye that her certificate was withheld due to her criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
NYSC’s Official Position
However, the NYSC management has denied that her political views played any role in the matter. In an official statement issued on Sunday, the NYSC described the claims circulating on social media as “entirely unfounded and false.”
According to the statement, Raye is among 131 corps members whose certificates were withheld for valid disciplinary reasons. Specifically, her service year was extended by two months for failing to attend the April 2025 biometric clearance — a requirement outlined in the NYSC Bye-Laws.
“Rita is among the 131 Corps Members whose Certificates of National Service 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 that aligns with the NYSC Bye-Laws,” the statement read.
The NYSC emphasized that this action is a standard procedure applied equally to all affected corps members, and Raye’s case is not exceptional.
Sowore’s Commitment to Justice
Despite the NYSC’s explanation, Sowore has vowed to pursue the matter until justice is served. The activist stressed that withholding Raye’s certificate for non-political reasons should still be handled with fairness and due process.
Sowore, who is also the founder of Sahara Reporters, has a long history of advocating for accountability and transparency in Nigerian institutions. He stated that the protest was not just about one individual but about defending the rights of all corps members across Nigeria.
Public Reaction and Wider Implications
The case has attracted widespread attention on social media, with Nigerians expressing mixed reactions. Some argue that NYSC disciplinary measures must be upheld to maintain the integrity of the scheme, while others see Raye’s situation as an example of institutional high-handedness.
The National Youth Service Corps, established in 1973, plays a key role in fostering unity among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups. However, disputes like this highlight the need for transparent communication between the NYSC and corps members to avoid public mistrust.
Final Thoughts
The Raye vs. NYSC case has become more than a personal dispute — it’s now a test of institutional accountability, human rights advocacy, and public trust in Nigeria’s youth service system.
While the NYSC maintains that the decision to extend her service year was purely procedural, the ongoing protests led by Sowore signal that public perception is equally important. Whether this standoff ends in Raye’s certificate being released sooner or after the extension, the case will likely influence future conversations about corps members’ rights.
For official updates on NYSC policies, visit the NYSC official website.
