The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has dismissed claims that Lagos corps member Ushie Uguamaye — popularly known as Raye — was denied her discharge certificate because she criticised the government, insisting the delay was due to disciplinary breaches.
In a statement on Sunday, the scheme described the allegation as “entirely unfounded and false,” revealing that Raye is one of 131 corps members whose certificates were withheld for failing to meet mandatory requirements. According to NYSC, her service year was extended by two months after she missed the compulsory April 2025 biometric clearance — a move it says is “standard procedure” under its Bye-Laws.
The controversy exploded online after Raye, who earlier went viral for criticising the government’s economic policies and describing Lagos as “smelling,” alleged she was unfairly denied clearance by her Local Government Inspector, had her file seized, and was told to “go to the back” during the April exercise. She claimed she was later informed she would not receive her certificate for missing the clearance.
The case has drawn heavy political and legal firepower. Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore accused NYSC of retaliation, calling it “an injustice of the highest order.” Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said it was “unacceptable” for her not to receive her certificate a year after passing out, urging authorities to act swiftly.
Senior lawyer Femi Falana described NYSC’s action as “illegal” and compared it to the 1988 confiscation of Bamidele Aturu’s certificate for rejecting an award, citing constitutional freedom of expression. Labour Party’s Peter Obi warned against stifling dissent, while SERAP urged President Bola Tinubu to stop any harassment of Uguamaye.
However, not all voices backed her. Former presidential aide Reno Omokri criticised Raye’s public comments, advising corps members to “focus on their duties.”
The NYSC has urged the public not to politicise the matter, maintaining it will enforce its rules “without fear or favour.”
