By John Umeh
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has come under intense public criticism following its alleged refusal to issue the discharge certificate of a corps member, Miss Ushie Rita, despite her successful completion of the mandatory one-year national service.
Reports indicate that Rita, who served diligently in her place of primary assignment, fulfilled all required obligations during the 12-month programme, including participation in community development service (CDS) projects, attendance at official parades, and adherence to the NYSC’s code of conduct. However, at the point of final clearance, she was informed that her discharge certificate was being withheld.
According to Rita, the NYSC officials gave no clear explanation for the action, leaving her in a state of uncertainty and emotional distress. “I served my country with all my heart and followed every rule. To deny me my certificate without justification is not just unfair, it is heartbreaking,” she lamented.
The situation has sparked outrage on social media, with many Nigerians describing it as a case of “unfair justice” and calling for transparency and accountability within the NYSC system. Some have urged the Director-General of the NYSC to personally intervene, while others have called on the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development to investigate the matter.
Legal experts have also weighed in, stating that unless there is a documented breach of NYSC rules or pending disciplinary case, withholding a discharge certificate amounts to an abuse of administrative power. They warn that such actions could have severe consequences for the affected corps member, including difficulties in securing employment or furthering her education.
In response to the growing backlash, NYSC officials have remained largely silent, neither confirming nor denying the allegations. This lack of official communication has further fuelled public suspicion and criticism.
Advocacy groups have now vowed to follow up on the case until Rita either receives her certificate or a detailed explanation is provided. As the pressure mounts, many see this as a critical test of the NYSC’s commitment to fairness, transparency, and the protection of corps members’ rights.
For now, Rita remains without her certificate, her future plans on hold, and her faith in the system deeply shaken.
-
NYSC Explains Decision to Deny Viral Corps Member Her Discharge Certificate
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has refuted viral social media claims alleging that corps member Ushie Rita Uguamaye (State Code: LA/24B/8325) was denied her Certificate of National Service (CNS) due to critical remarks about the government.
In an official statement released on its verified platforms, the scheme described the allegations as “entirely baseless and misleading,” insisting that the decision was strictly for “valid disciplinary reasons” and had no political undertones.
According to the NYSC, Ms. Ushie is one of 131 corps members whose certificates were withheld over various infractions. In her specific case, the management explained that her service year was extended by two months for failing to participate in the April 2025 biometric clearance exercise — a sanction it said was consistent with NYSC bye-laws.
“This extension is a standard administrative procedure, not peculiar to her case. The same principle of equal treatment applies to all corps members under similar circumstances,” the statement read.
The NYSC urged the public to approach the matter with objectivity and avoid politicising routine disciplinary measures, noting that certificate extensions for non-compliance have long been part of the scheme’s operational tradition.
Reaffirming its commitment to fairness, discipline, and adherence to its founding principles, the scheme concluded with its motto: Nigeria is ours; Nigeria we serve.
