A NYSC volunteer, Rita Uguamaye, has sparked new debate following claims that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) withheld her release certificate after she finished her service term.
Uguamaye, widely recognized as Raye, worked in Lagos State and initially gained public recognition in March after a video she shared on TikTok became popular. In the video, she expressed concerns about Nigeria’s economic challenges and rising inflation, condemning President Bola Tinubu as a “poor leader” and addressing the federal government regarding the postponement of the new corps members’ allowance.
The authorities had given approval for a rise in the monthly stipend, from N33,000 to N77,000, yet the disbursement was postponed. Soon following her remarks, NYSC started issuing the updated allowance, which garnered her appreciation from numerous Nigerians.
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She also criticized the environmental conditions in Lagos State, referring to it as a “smelling state.”
In June, it was reported that the NYSC had prolonged her service term as a penalty for her remarks, a claim that the organization refuted.
On Saturday, Raye claimed on Instagram that she was not given her certificate when she went to pick it up with her coworkers.
As per her statement, NYSC authorities alleged that she did not finish her April clearance, a assertion she refuted.
In a statement, NYSC refuted claims that they were holding back Raye’s certificate because of her remarks regarding the government, stating that the matter was strictly related to discipline.
“Rita is one of 131 corps members who had their certificates held back due to not attending the April 2025 biometric clearance. Her service period was extended by two months according to NYSC regulations,” it stated.
Her statements have generated broad responses from politicians, advocates, and organizations focused on human rights.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar called the circumstances unacceptable.
“It is not acceptable for a young woman who served her country without any questions to be denied her certificate,” he stated.
A human rights attorney and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, referred to the claimed seizure as illegal.
“Because Nigeria operates under a democratic administration, Rita Uguamaye’s right to criticize the government is protected by Section 39 of the Constitution,” he stated, referencing a comparable 1988 case involving the late Bamidele Aturu during military governance.
Amnesty International also criticized the NYSC’s reported actions, calling them “unacceptable intolerance of disagreement” and an infringement on free speech.
Political activist Omoyele Sowore promised to pursue justice, commending her previous efforts in advocacy.
“It was your bravery that prompted the authorities to increase your colleagues’ salary to N77,000 per month. We won’t leave you behind. Your struggle is our struggle,” he posted on X.
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Tagged: Nigeria, Children and Youth, West Africa
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