Education
Corps Member Who Called Tinubu Terrible President Denied NYSC Certificate (Video)
By Benjamin Abioye
A former National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member popularly known as Raye has accused the scheme of denying her discharge certificate despite completing her mandatory service year in Lagos State.
In a detailed Instagram post on Saturday, Raye expressed frustration over what she described as procedural irregularities and unprofessional conduct by local NYSC officials over her pursuit of her certificate.
Raye lamented that after serving a full year, she was still denied her NYSC Discharge certificate and told to await a “final verdict” that she believes is already decided.
“I was contemplating if I should share this or not, but just decided to. After 1 year of moving to another man’s land to serve my country, ended with no certificate and telling me to come for final verdict that we already know how it’ll end,” Raye wrote. “I genuinely wish I wasn’t a Lagos state Corper because it’s a waste of my time.”
The NYSC officials claimed she had not cleared her duties for April on her scheduled date. However, Raye insisted she was present but was repeatedly delayed. She said, “The LGI kept asking me to go to the back and when she finally wanted to attend to me she said she won’t clear me. She seized my file and told me to get out. This is a long story and I don’t mind waking up midnight to tell the story.”
Reflecting on the emotional toll, she added, “The deep rooted anger I feel and hatred is crazy because I don’t know who to direct it to.”
The incident has sparked renewed discussions on transparency and fairness in the NYSC system. Many social media users expressed sympathy and encouragement. One wrote, “Sorry about this love ❤️ You’ll definitely get it,” while another encouraged her by saying, “Certificates don’t pay the bills, skills do and in this country that’s all that matters. Stay strong girl 💪❤️.”
Others urged patience, advising her to “visit the Lagos State NYSC Secretariat, and ask for the CD\&R department, that’s where you’ll get the details of everything.”
Several users pointed out that Raye’s experience is not unique, with one commenting, “No be only you, ńa the same thing some of us experienced for Cross River State, and we serve our Extension before them give us our Certificate.”
Raye first gained widespread attention earlier this year when she described the Tinubu administration as “terrible” and Lagos State as a “smelling state” during a viral video in which she criticized Nigeria’s poor economic conditions and called for better welfare for corps members surviving on a ₦33,000 monthly stipend. The NYSC later clarified that her service was not extended as punishment and explained that any changes to service duration only occur during formal passing-out procedures. Raye also issued a public apology, stating her intention was to highlight systemic issues, not to offend.
Supporters have praised her courage, with one writing, “You left a landmark my dear with or without certification. God will crown and beautify you for fighting for us all. You are a living Legend ❤️.”
Critics of the NYSC system questioned the importance of the certificate itself, with some arguing it is overrated. “NYSC certificate is trash… let them chop it,” one user said, while another remarked, “When I started making money for myself and becoming a pro in my field, I realized that NYSC and university certificates don’t really matter. We are conditioned to think our lives depend on them.”
Raye’s case underscores ongoing concerns over administrative discretion and accountability in local NYSC operations. While the certificate is symbolic, many agree it remains a crucial recognition of service and entitlement.
As one well-wisher summed up, “No sorry cos this ain’t cause for pity, WELL DONE cos YOU ROCK! History will be kind to you for your valiant act. YOU F WON!”
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