The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has dismissed viral social media claims that Corps Member Ushie Rita Uguamaye (State Code: LA/24B/8325) was denied her Certificate of National Service (CNS) over critical government remarks.
In a statement, the scheme called the accusations “entirely unfounded” and clarified that Rita is one of 131 corps members whose certificates have been delayed for valid disciplinary reasons—specifically for failing to partake in the April 2025 biometrics clearance. As per NYSC bye-laws, this lapse led to a standard two-month extension of her service year.
NYSC emphasized that the extension is a routine administrative process applied equally across the board—not politically motivated. The public was urged to avoid politicizing a long-standing disciplinary practice and to appreciate the NYSC’s commitment to fairness and its constitutional duties.
People, Public Figures, and Rights Groups Push Back
Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President, condemned what he termed “impunity” and questioned whether Rita’s critical remarks played a part. “It is unacceptable that the young lady… should not have received her National Youth Service Corps certificate one year after passing out.”
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana labeled the NYSC’s move as “overzealousness” and “illegality,” arguing that withholding her discharge certificate without judicial order sets a dangerous precedent.
Amnesty International Nigeria described the denial as “arbitrary,” warning that withholding certificates as perceived retaliation for dissent undermines freedom of expression.
An X user @Blezbest tweeted “She said the LGI kept on telling her to go to the back of the queue during April biometrics and when she was the last one standing, the LGI refused to clear her. Who is lying then?”
Another X user @phan2onn tweeted “You guys should really be ashamed of yourselves. The youths are not given much of any choices or chances in this country, yet they always try to find a way to fight for this country which at the end of de day it benefits everyone yet you’re part of the reason stopping the fight.”
Mohammed (@Mr_Moo_KG) simply tweeted “Give the girl her certificate and stop all this long grammar.”