Sowore Challenges NYSC Over Extended Service Year of Ushie Rita Uguamaye

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has again raised concerns over the treatment of Ushie Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as Raye, by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

Sowore alleged that the NYSC authorities are deliberately delaying the release of Uguamaye’s discharge certificate, despite her completion of the one-year mandatory service programme.

Sowore Stopped Over Video Recording

Providing an update on his visit to the NYSC Headquarters in Abuja, Sowore explained that he was prevented from gaining access to the Director-General, Brigadier General OO Nafiu, after military officers at the premises objected to him and his team recording videos during their movement.

According to him, the officers insisted that such recordings were not permitted within the facility, a stance that resulted in his team being restricted from seeing the DG directly.

Despite the setback, Sowore said he remained determined to ensure Uguamaye gets her certificate without further delay.

NYSC Clarifies: Uguamaye Violated Rules

However, the NYSC has since clarified the situation. In an official explanation, the corps management stated that Uguamaye failed to complete one of her monthly clearances, which is a mandatory requirement for all corps members.

By missing the clearance, she was deemed to have violated the service rules, thereby resulting in an automatic extension of her service year until the lapse was rectified.

The NYSC stressed that this was in line with established procedures and not an act of victimisation, as claimed by Sowore.

Sowore Vows to Sustain Pressure

Reacting to the NYSC’s stance, Sowore maintained that the explanation was unacceptable, accusing the institution of hiding behind technicalities to deny Uguamaye what she rightfully deserves.

“We will not relent. We will continue to return to the NYSC Headquarters until justice is done and Raye receives her discharge certificate. This injustice must end,” he declared in his Facebook update.

Public Reactions and Broader Debate

The case has stirred a divided reaction among Nigerians. While some argue that rules must be respected regardless of status, others believe the NYSC should explore a more transparent and flexible approach to addressing corps members’ challenges.

For Sowore, the issue highlights a deeper problem within Nigerian institutions, where bureaucratic procedures are often weaponised against citizens.

Meanwhile, civil rights advocates have urged both parties to de-escalate tensions and pursue dialogue, stressing that prolonged controversies risk undermining the integrity of the NYSC scheme.

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