The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)’s silence nearly 24 hours after reports emerged alleging the extension of corps member Rita Uguamaye’s service year is deeply troubling and unbecoming of a public institution.
Development Diaries reports that rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, on Tuesday, shared a news caption that read, ‘NYSC punitively extends Raye’s service year by two months for criticising Tinubu’s administration over hardship’.
This @officialABAT Tinubu regime might go down with the Rita Raye’s National Youth Service Corps @officialnyscng matter. This is not acceptable, we will mobilize down to the Passing Out Parade except Rita is allowed to complete her NYSC national service without let or hindrance.… pic.twitter.com/tTnuLgU6xz
— Omoyele Sowore (@YeleSowore) June 24, 2025
According to a report by Punch, the acting NYSC Director, Press and Public Relations, Carol Embu has denied the allegations.
However, there has been no official statement to this effect to address the public.
At a time when public trust in institutions is fragile, the NYSC’s refusal to issue a clear, official statement confirming or denying the allegations fuels speculation and raises serious questions about its commitment to transparency and fairness.
The issue has attracted national attention and concern, yet the agency appears to be evading accountability, leaving Nigerians in the dark.
As a government-run scheme established to foster national unity and youth development, the NYSC owes the Nigerian public a duty of open communication, especially when the credibility of its processes is being called into question.
Allegations that a corps member was punished for criticising the president, whether true or not, demand an immediate and unambiguous response.
Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees freedom of expression, and young people, many of whom participate in the NYSC annually, must feel safe to express their views without fear of institutional backlash.
If it is indeed true that Uguamaye’s service year was extended for her critical remarks about the Tinubu administration and living conditions in Lagos, such an action is disproportionate and outright oppressive.
Punishing a corps member for speaking out against economic hardship sends a chilling message to other young Nigerians that their voices are only valid when they echo praise.
This goes against the core values of a democratic society, where institutions are meant to support, not stifle, youth participation in national discourse.
With over 60 percent of Nigeria’s population under 25, silencing dissent within a programme meant to empower youth is both ironic and dangerous.
Development Diaries calls on the Director General (DG) of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu to ensure the corps breaks its silence and addresses this issue transparently.
If the allegations are false, it must publicly clear the air, and if they are true, then a full explanation is owed to Nigerians, along with immediate steps to reverse such an unjust decision.
Photo source: Iamraye/IG
