NYSC Denies Certificate to Corps Member Who Accused Tinubu of Poor Leadership

Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as Raye, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member who previously went viral for criticising President Bola Tinubu over Nigeria’s worsening economic situation, has alleged that she was denied her NYSC discharge certificate despite completing her service year.

In an Instagram post on Saturday, August 9, 2025, Raye claimed she served her one-year mandate in Lagos State but was informed she would not receive her certificate. According to her, NYSC officials cited her failure to complete clearance for April as the reason.

She, however, maintained that she was present for the clearance but was repeatedly sent to the back of the queue by her Local Government Inspector (LGI), who eventually refused to clear her and seized her file.

“I can’t say moving here was bad, but serving here isn’t all pleasure… The deep-rooted anger I feel and hatred is crazy because I don’t know who to direct it to,” she wrote.

The corps member had earlier made headlines after posting a TikTok video in which she criticised Tinubu’s administration, describing the president as a “terrible leader” and Lagos as a “smelling state” with “poor living conditions.” She also accused NYSC officials of threatening her following the video.

Her outspoken remarks drew reactions from public figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and activist Omoyele Sowore, who condemned the alleged threats to her life.

Raye is credited by some with sparking the recent increase in corps members’ allowance from ₦33,000 to ₦77,000 through her earlier advocacy. She now says she is closing the NYSC chapter of her life without a certificate and wishes herself “the best” moving forward.