Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for allegedly withholding the discharge certificate of a corps member, Ushie Rita Uguamaye, more than a year after she completed her mandatory national service.
In a statement posted on his official X handle, @atiku, the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate expressed outrage over the matter, warning against politicising the scheme.
“What manner of impunity is this? Everything should not be subjected to politics. I hope that Ushie Rita Uguamaye’s NYSC discharge certificate is not being withheld because she had the courage to complain about the economic hardship under the President Bola Tinubu-led administration. It is unacceptable that the young lady, who had served her country without queries, should not have received her National Youth Service Corps certificate one year after passing out. The appropriate authorities should take urgent steps to ensure that she gets her discharge certificate,” Atiku wrote.
The former vice president stressed that the NYSC is meant to foster national unity and reward patriotic service, not to be used as a tool for victimisation. He called on the corps’ management and other relevant government agencies to act swiftly to resolve the issue.
Background to the case
Uguamaye, a former corps member, has reportedly been denied her NYSC discharge certificate despite having completed her service year without disciplinary issues. Her case drew public attention after she spoke out against the economic hardship in Nigeria under the administration of President Bola Tinubu. Some commentators have alleged that her criticism of government policies may have triggered the delay in releasing her certificate, although the NYSC has not confirmed this claim.
About the NYSC
Established in 1973, the NYSC mandates all Nigerian graduates under the age of 30 to participate in a one-year service programme aimed at promoting national integration and contributing to community development. Upon successful completion, participants receive a discharge certificate, which is often a requirement for employment in both public and private sectors.
The alleged withholding of a corps member’s certificate for political reasons has sparked outrage among civil society advocates, who argue that such an act undermines the integrity of the scheme and threatens free expression among Nigerian youths.
As of the time of filing this report, the NYSC management has yet to respond to the allegations or provide reasons for the delay in issuing Uguamaye’s certificate.
