NYSC extends service year of corps member for criticising Tinubu

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has reportedly extended the service year of Rita Ushie, a corps member popularly known on Instagram as Raye, by two months following a disciplinary action linked to her viral video criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies—Sahara Reporters.

Raye had trended in April 2025 after posting a video lamenting the rising cost of living and economic hardship under the current administration. The video gone viral online and, according to her, triggered threats from NYSC officials who demanded she take down the post.

She was later invited by the NYSC to face a disciplinary committee, a move that drew backlash from civil society groups and Nigerians online who accused the scheme of attempting to suppress free expression. Notably, rights activist Omoyele Sowore and other concerned Nigerians accompanied her to the venue of the first disciplinary hearing. However, NYSC officials failed to show up.

With only one month left in her service year, Ushie was summoned again on Wednesday, June 18, to the Lagos State orientation camp in Iyana Ipaja. Despite making the trip, she was reportedly told to return the following week without any formal documentation explaining the process.

According to Jonathan Ugbal, South-South Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, who has been in contact with Ushie’s family, the corps member finally faced the panel this week.

“She went there eventually and faced them, apologizing to the staff who felt offended by the backlash they received over the incident,” Ugbal said. “However, her mother called me moments ago to say she was crying over the phone after being informed that her service year has been extended by two months.”

Ugbal added that the extension has taken a toll on Ushie, who is reportedly too distraught to speak publicly at the moment.

The NYSC has yet to officially comment on the development, but critics have described the punishment as excessive and politically motivated.