The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has denied allegations that it extended the service year of a Lagos-based corps member, Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as Raye, in retaliation for her critical remarks about President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Raye recently gained online attention after posting a viral video on her TikTok account, @talktoraye, where she voiced her frustrations over Nigeria’s current economic situation. In the video, she criticized the federal government for the rising inflation and hardship, directly calling President Tinubu a “terrible leader.” She also described Lagos as a “smelling state” with poor living conditions.
Following the viral clip, Raye claimed in a subsequent video that she was being harassed by NYSC officials, alleging that she was being pressured to take down the video. However, the NYSC has not issued any public response to those claims.
The situation drew widespread reactions online, including statements of support from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and activist Omoyele Sowore. A report had emerged on Tuesday alleging that NYSC had “punitively” extended Raye’s service year by two months due to her criticisms. Reacting to the report, Sowore condemned the alleged punishment and pledged to stage a protest at the NYSC Passing Out Parade if Raye’s service was not concluded fairly.
“This is not acceptable,” Sowore wrote on social media. “We will mobilise to the POP unless Raye is allowed to complete her service without intimidation.”
In response to the controversy, Acting NYSC Director of Press and Public Relations, Carol Embu, dismissed the claim, stressing that such decisions are not made arbitrarily. According to Embu, no service year extension can occur while a corps member is still actively serving.
“She is still in service. So how can her service year be extended when she hasn’t completed it yet?” Embu asked. “NYSC is a disciplined and rule-based organisation. We don’t act based on hearsay or social media outrage.”
Embu also questioned the basis of Sowore’s involvement, asking, “Who is Sowore? Does he work with NYSC?”
As of press time, Uguamaye had not confirmed any extension on her social media platforms, and our correspondent was unable to independently verify the claim that her service year had been officially prolonged.
