Corps Member Denied Certificate After Criticizing Tinubu’s Policies
A Nigerian National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Ushie Rita Uguamaye (also known as Raye), has been denied her discharge certificate despite completing her one-year mandatory service, sparking national debate over freedom of expression and institutional accountability.
The 25-year-old graduate, who served in Lagos State, claims the denial is a direct retaliation for her public criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic policies, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and rising cost of living.
However, NYSC officials have denied any political motivation, stating that Uguamaye failed to meet “procedural requirements” for discharge, including the submission of a final service report and attendance at a mandatory viva voce session.
The case has drawn sharp condemnation from Amnesty International, which on Monday called on the NYSC to immediately release the certificate and condemned what it described as “a troubling pattern of silencing dissent.”
“I Spoke Up for the Sake of the People” – Uguamaye Speaks Out
In an exclusive interview, Uguamaye, a recent graduate of the University of Uyo with a degree in Sociology, said she completed all aspects of her service at a local health center in Uyo, where she volunteered as a community health educator.
“I served diligently for 12 months, attended all drills, and fulfilled my duties,” she said. “But in November, I posted a video on Facebook and Instagram criticizing the government’s removal of fuel subsidies and its impact on poor families. I never mentioned NYSC—I only spoke about national issues.”
In the now-viral TikTok video, Uguamaye said:
How can a president who promised relief now make life unbearable? Nigeria’s worsening economy is unbearable, with high inflation, poor living conditions, and government failures under President Tinubu. President Bola Tinubu is a terrible president.
She insists that weeks after the video circulated, NYSC officials began pressuring her to delete her posts and later informed her that her discharge would be “under review.”
“When I asked for clarification, they said I ‘brought the scheme into disrepute’ by commenting on national matters,” she said. “But I didn’t attack NYSC. I was exercising my right as a citizen.”
Public Outcry and Social Media Storm
The case has ignited a firestorm on social media, with the hashtag #ReleaseRitaCertificate trending across Nigeria. Thousands have shared her story, accusing the government of intolerance toward dissent.
Oluwatobi @_tobyblush Said, “Raye is the reason corps members now receive N77k allowance. She spoke up, fought for us, and drew the govt’s attention to our plight. Now, she has been denied her NYSC certificate. This is absolutely unfair. @officialnyscng, please do right by her. She served and earned it.
Another user Ugbede @nurse_ugbede said: Nigerians enjoy their burden. You speak up, you end up a scapegoat, and everyone moves on. I just feel bad for Raye
Duke of Africa @Allezamani also responded by saying:
Can you all see what is happening to Raye? Her fellow Batch of corpers left her. No government official is taking her matter up The whole NYSC is pouncing on her. Nigerians left her to her faith. This is was what would have happened to Peter Obi if he had protested in 2023, Peter Obi would have been languishing in jail, and Nigerians would have moved on.