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The National Youth Service Corps has rejected claims that it withheld the Certificate of National Service from a corps member in Lagos State for criticising President Bola Tinubu.
The corps member, identified as Ushie Rita Uguamaye, gone viral earlier this year on social media after posting a video where she expressed frustration over rising prices in the country and labelled the president a “terrible leader.”
Days later, she released another video in tears, alleging that NYSC officials had telephoned her with threats following her remarks.
Her statements drew public attention and sparked online debates, with some accusing the NYSC of punishing her for exercising her freedom of expression.
In a statement issued on Saturday by its management, the NYSC described the allegation as “entirely unfounded and false in its entirety.”
The scheme clarified that Ms. Uguamaye was among 131 corps members whose Certificates of National Service were withheld for what it termed “valid disciplinary reasons.”
According to the statement, her service year was extended by two months after she failed to attend the April 2025 biometric clearance.
The NYSC explained that this sanction was in line with its bye-laws and standard disciplinary processes, adding that equal treatment was applied to all affected members.
“This extension is a standard procedure and not unique to her case,” the statement read.
“Extending service for non-compliance is a longstanding tradition within the NYSC and should not be politicized.”
The NYSC urged the public to view the matter objectively and avoid linking the decision to political bias. It reaffirmed its commitment to upholding its mandate in accordance with the constitution.
The statement read:
“The NYSC Management thus urges the public to approach this matter with understanding, as extending service for non-compliance is a longstanding tradition within the NYSC and should not be politicized. The NYSC Scheme remains committed to discharging its mandate, inline with the dictates of the constitution.”
The incident has reignited conversations around free speech and the conduct of corps members on social media. In 2022, then Director-General of the NYSC, Major-General Shuaibu Ibrahim, cautioned corps members against using online platforms to criticise government policies, warning that such actions could lead to sanctions.
While the scheme insists the decision was purely administrative, the case continues to stir debate among Nigerians over the balance between disciplinary rules and the right to express dissent.
Previously, Legit.ng reported that a corps member’s claim that officials of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) threatened her for criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s administration has sparked reactions from legal experts.
Amid this development, prominent lawyers have weighed in on the controversy, emphasizing the constitutional right to freedom of expression while acknowledging NYSC’s regulations.
Read more on Legit.ng – Nigeria news.
