The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has clarified that the withholding of discharge certificates for corps member Rita Uguamaye and 130 others resulted from disciplinary issues rather than political remarks, as widely speculated.
A statement issued by NYSC management responded to reports linking the retention of Uguamaye’s Certificate of National Service (CNS) to her public criticism of President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government over delayed payment of the increased monthly allowance for corps members.
“Contrary to false claims that she was denied a Certificate of National Service due to critical remarks about the government, this assertion is entirely unfounded,” the statement said. “Rita is among the 131 corps members whose Certificates of National Service were withheld for valid disciplinary reasons.”
Specifically, Rita’s service year was extended by two months for failing to attend the April 2025 biometrics clearance, a decision consistent with the NYSC Bye-Laws. The extension is a standard procedure and not unique to her case, with the principle of equal treatment upheld throughout.
The NYSC underscored that extending service years for non-compliance is a long-established practice and encouraged the public to refrain from politicising the issue.
Rita Uguamaye attracted public attention after criticising the Federal Government over delays in paying the revised allowance, which rose from N33,000 to N77,000. Her remarks sparked mixed reactions, with some commending her bravery and others reproaching her for speaking against the government during her service year.
The NYSC reiterated its commitment to applying its rules consistently and called on corps members and the public to maintain discipline and respect the scheme’s regulations.
