Ushie Rita Uguamaye, a Lagos-based member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), popularly known as Raye, has accused the scheme of deliberately withholding her discharge certificate due to her outspoken criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Uguamaye, who garnered attention earlier this year after a viral TikTok video where she described Lagos as “smelling” and condemned the economic hardships under the current government, claims that her NYSC clearance was unfairly blocked in April.
In a recent Instagram video, Uguamaye detailed how her Local Government Inspector repeatedly sent her to the back of the line during her clearance despite her presence and then seized her file, ordering her to leave. She alleges that NYSC officials later informed her that she would not receive her certificate due to a missed clearance, a claim she firmly denies.
Frustrated by the situation, Uguamaye expressed regret about her Lagos posting, calling her service year a “waste of time” on social media. Her allegations have sparked widespread outrage and support, drawing condemnation from various prominent figures. Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore condemned the NYSC’s actions as an unjust attack on Uguamaye’s activism, noting that her outspoken criticism had contributed to the recent increase in corps members’ allowances to ₦77,000.
Sowore also claimed that NYSC officials had ignored a formal summons regarding the case, further fueling the controversy. Following her viral video earlier in the year, Uguamaye reported receiving threats and pressure to remove the clip, citing concerns for her safety as NYSC officials had access to her personal information.
Political leaders and rights groups have rallied behind her. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar likened Uguamaye’s courage to that of renowned activists Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti and Margaret Ekpo, while Labour Party’s Peter Obi warned against silencing critics. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) called on the president to intervene and stop the NYSC’s harassment, and Trade Union Congress President Festus Osifo argued that Uguamaye’s remarks echoed the sentiments of many Nigerians.
However, former presidential aide Reno Omokri countered, stating that corps members should focus on their duties rather than engage in political commentary.
The NYSC has yet to issue an official response to the allegations. Attempts by journalists to contact the NYSC’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Edwin Megwa, were unsuccessful, as calls and messages went unanswered.
