By Adenike Lawal
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has addressed reports trending on social media claiming that corps member Ushie Rita Uguamaye identified by state code LA/24B/8325 was denied her Certificate of National Service (CNS) due to allegedly making critical remarks about the government.
In a statement released on its official platforms, the NYSC dismissed the allegations as “entirely false and without basis,” clarifying that the decision had nothing to do with politics or free speech. Instead, the scheme explained that the delay in issuing Rita’s certificate was a result of a disciplinary process triggered by her non-compliance with service regulations.
According to the NYSC, Rita was one of 131 corps members whose certificates were temporarily withheld for various offences. In her case, the management said her service year was extended by two months after she failed to participate in the April 2025 biometric clearance exercise, an infraction that, under NYSC bye-laws, automatically attracts an extension.
The organisation stressed that such sanctions are standard procedure and are applied equally to all corps members found in breach of the rules, with no preferential treatment or victimisation.
“This process is routine and not peculiar to her case,” the statement emphasised, urging the public to consider the matter objectively and resist politicising it.
Reaffirming its commitment to fairness, discipline, and national service ideals, the NYSC stated that it will continue to carry out its mandate in strict compliance with constitutional provisions, echoing its motto: Nigeria is ours, Nigeria we serve.
