The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has issued a clarification regarding the non-issuance of a Certificate of National Service to a Corps Member, Ushie Rita Uguamaye.
The Port City News reported that in March, Uguamaye, in a video posted on her social media handles, criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s policies.
In the video, she called Tinubu a “terrible leader” and questioned the government’s commitment to tackling the biting economy, as well as lamenting the poor living conditions in Lagos.
She also called Lagos dirty and smelling, which caused an outburst that led to controversy among all stakeholders. She eventually apologised.
Uguamaye, a member of the Batch B stream 2 who passed out on 7 August, said in a post on her Instagram page that the NYSC in Lagos didn’t give her a discharge certificate when she went for the collection.
Uguamaye, a content creator, alleged that the NYSC told her that she missed one of her monthly clearances.
The withholding of her certificate drew controversy, with Atiku Abubakar, former vice president, activist Omoyele Sowore, and others condemning the action.
They argued that she should not be punished for courageously complaining about the economic hardship under Tinubu.
However, NYSC management in a statement on Sunday refuted the claim that the certificate was withheld because of her alleged criticism of the government, calling the information “entirely unfounded and false.”
According to the NYSC, Uguamaye, with state code number LA/24B/8325, is one of 131 Corps Members whose certificates were withheld for valid disciplinary reasons.
NYSC added that her service year was extended by two months because she failed to attend the biometrics clearance in April 2025.
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The NYSC management stated that this is a standard procedure and is in line with the scheme’s Bye-Laws.
They emphasised that the decision was based on the principle of equal treatment and not a unique punishment for her.
The NYSC urged the public to understand that extending corps members’ service for non-compliance is a long-standing tradition within the organisation and should not be politicised.
The scheme reaffirmed its commitment to its mandate as outlined in the constitution.
