Why We Withheld Rita Uguamaye’s Certificate – NYSC
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) management has explained why corps member Ushie Rita Uguamaye was denied a certificate after completing her national service.
According to a statement by the NYSC posted on its Facebook page, Uguamaye’s service year was extended by two months for failing to attend the April 2025 biometrics clearance, a decision it says aligns with the NYSC Bye-Laws.
Recall that Uguamaye, a Lagos youth corps member popularly known as “Raye”, had revealed that the NYSC withheld her discharge certificate in alleged retaliation for her criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s government.
Uguamaye grabbed the headlines earlier in the year following her viral TikTok video in which she criticised Tinubu’s administration and described Lagos as “smelling”
In a fresh video, Uguamaye alleged that her Local Government Inspector (LGI) refused to clear her for April despite her being present on the scheduled date.
In the viral video clip she shared on Instagram on Saturday, she claimed she was repeatedly told to “go to the back” until the official eventually seized her file, refused to attend to her, and ordered her to leave.
The corps member said she was later informed she would not receive her certificate because she missed April clearance, which she insists is untrue.
NYSC, however, insisted in the statement that, contrary to claims that she was denied the certificate due to critical remarks about the government, it was withheld for valid disciplinary reasons.
“Rita is among the 131 Corps Members whose Certificates of National Service (CNS), 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.
“It is important to note that this extension is a standard procedure and not unique to her case, and the principle of equal treatment was only applied in this case,” it said.
It urged the public to approach the matter with understanding, as extending service for non-compliance is a longstanding tradition within the NYSC and should not be politicised.
“The NYSC Scheme remains committed to discharging its mandate, in line with the dictates of the constitution. Nigeria is Ours; Nigeria We Serve,” the statement said.
Why We Withheld Rita Uguamaye’s Certificate – NYSC is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
