The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has debunked claims that it withdrew the discharge certificate of Rita Uguamaye, a corps member who went viral after criticising President Bola Tinubu over the delayed payment of the recently approved monthly allowance increase.

Uguamaye had accused the Federal Government of subjecting corps members to “unnecessary hardship” following the delay in implementing the rise in allowance from ₦33,000 to ₦77,000. Her comments stirred mixed reactions with some commending her boldness and others describing the remarks as inappropriate for a serving corps member.

Amid the controversy, reports surfaced that her service year had been extended and her certificate withdrawn, sparking public outrage.

In a statement on Saturday, NYSC dismissed the claims as “entirely unfounded and false.” The management explained that Uguamaye, with State Code number LA/24B/8325, was one of 131 corps members whose Certificates of National Service were withheld for “valid disciplinary reasons.”

“Specifically, Rita’s service year has been extended by two months for failing to attend the April 2025 biometrics clearance,” the statement said. “This decision aligns with the NYSC Bye-Laws. The extension is a standard procedure and not unique to her case.”

The scheme urged the public to avoid politicising the issue, emphasising that extending service for non-compliance has long been standard practice.

“The NYSC Scheme remains committed to discharging its mandate in line with the dictates of the constitution. Nigeria is Ours; Nigeria We Serve,” the statement concluded.