NYSC reacts to alleged service year extension of corps member

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has denied allegations that it extended the service year of Lagos-based corps member, Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as Raye, as punishment for criticising President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Raye trended in April after posting a viral TikTok video in which she described President Tinubu as a “terrible leader” and expressed frustration over Nigeria’s harsh economic realities. In the video, she also lamented the poor living conditions in Lagos, calling it a “smelling state.”

The video went viral and was followed by another clip in which Raye claimed she was being threatened by NYSC officials who allegedly asked her to take down the video. Although she maintained she was only speaking the truth, the NYSC did not respond to the alleged threats at the time.

On Tuesday, human rights activist and politician, Omoyele Sowore, reignited public interest in the issue by alleging that the NYSC had now extended Raye’s service year by two months in retaliation for her criticism of the government. He shared a viral post with the caption:

“This Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu regime might go down with Rita Raye’s National Youth Service Corps matter. This is not acceptable. We will mobilise down to the Passing Out Parade, except Rita is allowed to complete her NYSC national service without let or hindrance.”

However, according to report from Punch Newspapers, “the NYSC dismissed the claims.”
Speaking to the press, Acting Director of Public Relations for the NYSC, Carol Embu, described the allegations as unfounded.
“Who is Sowore? Does he work with the NYSC? So, how come you are listening to him?”—Punch Newspapers reports.

Embu clarified that the NYSC has strict protocols and guidelines for extending a corps member’s service, usually related to absconding or disciplinary breaches, and such decisions are only finalised at the time of passing out.
“She is still serving; if she has any issues, we will wait and see. NYSC is not an irresponsible organisation; we work with rules and regulations,” she added.

As of the time of this report, Raye has not publicly confirmed the alleged service extension on her social media platforms, and independent verification has not been made regarding the claim.