Abuja: The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has refuted claims that a corps member, Ms. Rita Uguamaye, was penalised for criticising President Bola Tinubu’s administration in a viral TikTok video.
In a statement released Sunday by the Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Ms. Caroline Embu, the NYSC clarified that Uguamaye’s service year was extended due to her absence during the mandatory biometric clearance in April 2025, not because of her political commentary.
“Contrary to false claims that she was denied a Certificate of National Service due to critical remarks about the government, the assertion is entirely unfounded and false,” Embu stated.
Uguamaye, identified by State Code number LA/24B/8325, was among 131 corps members whose discharge certificates were withheld for disciplinary reasons, according to the NYSC.
Embu explained that the extension of her service by two months was in line with the NYSC Bye-Laws, which mandate such action for non-compliance with clearance procedures.
“The decision was procedural and not targeted,” Embu said, adding that all affected corps members were treated equally. “Service extensions for non-compliance are a longstanding and routine practice within the scheme and should not be politicised.”
The NYSC urged the public to approach the matter with understanding and reaffirmed its commitment to upholding its mandate by constitutional provisions. Uguamaye, who served in Lagos, had posted a video criticising the Tinubu administration.
She later alleged in a follow-up video that her discharge certificate was withheld in retaliation for her comments.
