Real reason we withheld discharge certificate of corps member who criticised Tinubu – NYSC

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has shed light on why it withheld the discharge certificate of Rita Uguamaye, a corps member who gained public attention after openly criticising President Bola Tinubu over national issues.

Uguamaye became a trending topic after faulting the Federal Government for delaying the payment of the newly approved allowance for corps members.

Earlier this year, the government had announced an increase in monthly stipends from ₦33,000 to ₦77,000, but the reviewed amount was not immediately paid.

In a widely circulated video, Uguamaye lamented that the delay was putting corps members under “unnecessary hardship.”

Her comments sparked mixed reactions — while some Nigerians commended her outspokenness, others argued it was inappropriate for a serving corps member to make such remarks about the government or the NYSC.

Amid these reactions, reports emerged that her service year had been extended as a disciplinary measure, and more recently, that her certificate had been withdrawn.

Responding to the growing controversy, the NYSC has issued a statement to clarify the situation.

“The NYSC Management wishes to clarify misleading information circulating on social media regarding Corps Member Ushie Rita Uguamaye, State Code number LA/24B/8325. Contrary to false claims that she was denied a Certificate of National Service (CNS) due to critical remarks about the government, this assertion is entirely unfounded and false in its entirety. 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.

“Rita 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, in line with the dictates of the constitution. Nigeria is Ours; Nigeria We Serve.”