The Certificate, The Critic, and The Clash: Inside Corper Raye’s NYSC Battle

Corper Raye thought her national service year would end with pride and purpose—but instead, it ended with a void: her NYSC discharge certificate disappeared. Ushie Rita Uguamaye—known as Raye—rose to prominence earlier this year when a viral video captured her boldly calling out the Tinubu administration and lamenting “Lagos is smelling.” Her voice resonated online, but visibility may have come at a cost. After completing her one-year service, Raye alleges she was denied her NYSC discharge certificate—an essential document for employment and further education. She claims the trouble began during April’s biometric clearance at her local government registry. Though present and prepared, she says the Local Government Inspector repeatedly told her to “go to the back,” ultimately seizing her file and refusing to clear her. That single administrative conflict, she insists, led to denial of the certificate she’d rightfully earned. NYSC, however, disputes her version. In an official statement, the scheme categorically rejected any link between the certificate denial and her public activism. They clarified Raye was among 131 corps members whose service years were extended by two months due to missing the mandatory April biometric clearance—a disciplinary measure strictly in line with NYSC bye-laws. “This extension is a standard procedure and not unique to her case,” the NYSC stressed. The conflict sparked a broader public backlash. Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore responded with outrage, labeling the act “a gross injustice” and vowing to lead protests and push for justice. “Her fight is our fight,” he declared, rallying Nigerians both online and on the streets.