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Summary
Following Raye's withheld NYSC discharge certificate, Nigerians staged a protest at the NYSC Directorate Headquarters in Wuse, Abuja, to demand its release. Meanwhile, an online protest demanding #JusticeforRaye# has gone viral.
In response to the unjust denial of Corper Ushie Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as Raye, discharge certificate by the National Youth Service Corps, a staged protest took place on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at the NYSC Directorate Headquarters, Wuse, Abuja, to demand the release of the certificate.
Recall that earlier this year, Raye openly criticised Tinubu’s government, expressed her frustration over the skyrocketing food prices, and lamented how her transport costs exceeded the NYSC’s allowance.
Raye’s supporters called for justice, citing the withholding of her NYSC discharge certificate as retaliation for her outspoken criticism of the Tinubu government and not due to ‘biometric clearance in April’ as claimed by NYSC.
While a physical protest is ongoing at NYSC headquarters in Abuja, many Nigerians have taken to social media with the hashtag #JusticeforRaye to show their solidarity. Notably, many protesters claimed her advocacy for good governance led to the recent increase in corps members’ monthly allowance to N77,000.
“Raye, a Nigerian corps member, completed her national service but was denied her discharge certificate. Despite serving a punitive two-month period, NYSC withheld her certificate without clear justification. The distinction between formal press engagement and personal social media expression, as is the constitutional right to free speech, is critical here. This case exposes systemic oppression and administrative abuse within NYSC. Stand with Raye and demand justice for all corps members facing unfair treatment,” @mimi_yakinkar said.
“Raye presented herself for clearance on the 7th of April and subsequently, on the 11th, but was deliberately denied clearance by the LGI of Eti-Osa, Mrs Veronica Abele. She is being dealt with for criticising the president,” @tchinemelum also said.
