VIDEO: Nigerian minister addresses NYSC certificate controversy

The Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has responded to the ongoing controversy surrounding her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate, stating that she will not be distracted by the issue.

Musawa made her remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Sunday, where she addressed the lingering questions about her NYSC status.

The controversy stems from Musawa’s inability to provide the Senate with proof of her participation in the mandatory NYSC program during her ministerial screening in 2023. Despite this, she was confirmed as a minister by the Senate, a decision that led to legal challenges from some quarters, accusing her of bypassing the mandatory service requirement.

In April 2024, a Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed the case against Musawa, with Justice James Omotosho ruling that the plaintiffs lacked the legal standing to pursue the suit.

Reflecting on the matter after a year in office, Musawa remarked, “There have been so many different accounts of that particular situation. The fact that I am sitting here means that I didn’t do anything wrong.”

While acknowledging the controversy, Musawa emphasized that shet has not yet publicly shared her side of the story. “Social media has just run rife with different accounts,” she said. “The matter has been adjudicated, and one day, I will come out with my account.”

Musawa assured Nigerians that she has fulfilled the requirements of the NYSC scheme, even jokingly noting, “I have probably done more NYSC than you. I have done at least two NYSCs in my life.”

She concluded by reaffirming her commitment to her ministerial duties: “What I owe Nigerians is to say that I didn’t do anything wrong. Everything I did was by the law. But for now, my focus is on delivering results to Nigerians.”

Watch the video below;

https://x.com/channelstv/status/1843018216001716417?t=PQqXpm_ptBLiM_s2Dvj_mA&s=19

The minister promised to address the matter fully in the future but emphasized her current priority is fulfilling her responsibilities to the nation.