NYSC Says Raye’s Certificate Was Withheld — Not Politics, But Missed Biometrics

 

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NYSC Clarifies Why Corps Member Raye Was Denied Certificate: Not Political, But Biometrics Issue The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has refuted claims that it withheld the Certificate of National Service (CNS) from corps member Ushie Rita Uguamaye—known online as “Raye”—for criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Instead, the NYSC clarified that the delay was due to a missed April 2025 biometrics clearance exercise, not political retaliation. 

 

According to the NYSC, Raye is one of 131 corps members impacted by the same issue. The management emphasized that her service year was extended by two months as stipulated under the NYSC bye-laws for failing to attend the mandatory biometrics clearance in April 2025. This is a standard disciplinary process, applied uniformly—not a targeted sanction. 

 

Raye had previously attracted headlines after she posted a viral video criticizing the soaring cost of living and referring to President Tinubu as a “terrible” leader. The NYSC’s non-issuance of her discharge certificate sparked widespread debate over whether the move was meant to stifle dissent or punish free speech. 

 

However, the NYSC firmly dismissed political motivations, urging the public to avoid politicizing what it describes as routine administrative protocol. In its statement, the scheme highlighted that extending service for non-compliance has long been a normal practice, and equal treatment was ensured – Raye's case was not an exception. 

 

Adding another layer to the matter, human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has called on the NYSC to immediately release Raye’s discharge certificate. Falana contends that withholding the certificate without transparent, verifiable justification raises serious concerns about fairness and potential suppression of free expression. 

 

This incident has again sparked a broader discussion: how should the NYSC balance internal disciplinary rules—like mandatory biometrics clearance—with corps members’ constitutional rights to free speech? Legal experts and civil society continue to weigh in, reiterating that, while administrative compliance is essential, it must not infringe on fundamental freedoms.

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