The National Youth Service Corps has dismissed reports that it withheld the Certificate of National Service (CNS) of a corps member, Ushie Rita Uguamaye, because of critical comments she allegedly made about the government.
Uguamaye, whose service number is LA/24B/8325, recently went viral on social media after claiming she was being punished for expressing her views.
The reports sparked widespread criticism, with some alleging political victimisation.
However, in a statement on Sunday by its Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, the NYSC described the claims as misleading and false.
“Rita is among the 131 corps members whose Certificates of National Service were withheld for valid disciplinary reasons,” the statement read.
“Specifically, her service year was extended by two months for failing to attend the April 2025 biometrics clearance, in line with the NYSC bye-laws.”
The scheme explained that the extension was a standard sanction for such infractions and not peculiar to her case.
“This is a longstanding procedure that applies equally to all corps members who fail to comply with mandatory clearance protocols,” the NYSC stated.
It urged the public to avoid politicising the matter, stressing its commitment to upholding the provisions of the Constitution and the guiding principles of the scheme.
“Extending service for non-compliance has been part of NYSC disciplinary measures for decades. The principle of equal treatment was applied in this case,” the statement added.
The development comes amid calls from some human rights advocates, including Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, for the immediate release of Uguamaye’s discharge certificate.
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