Lagos, June 2025
– The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has allegedly extended the service
year of a Lagos-based corps member, Ushie Uguamaye, after she publicly
criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration via TikTok. The extension,
enforced under NYSC’s 2011 Bye-Laws, stipulates an additional 30 days of
service on half pay for speaking on policy matters without written
permission .
NYSC Regulation & Legal Basis
- Bye-Laws
in Effect: Section 3(i) of the NYSC Code
of Conduct (Revised 2011) states:
“Any member who addresses the press on any policy
issue without the written consent of the State Coordinator … shall be tried …
and, if found guilty, be liable to an extension of service for thirty (30) days
on half pay.”
Freedom of Expression Debate:
Human rights advocates argue that while the NYSC Bye-Laws may impose such
penalties, they potentially violate Section 39 of Nigeria’s Constitution,
which guarantees freedom of speech
The TikTok Incident
- What
Happened: In a viral TikTok video (under the
handle @talktoraye), Uguamaye described her hardship coping with the cost
of living under Tinubu’s government, calling it “terrible” and questioning
rising commodity prices .
- NYSC
Response: Shortly after, NYSC officials
allegedly contacted her, summoned her to the Eti-Osa Local Government
office, and threatened consequences for what they termed rude remarks
toward an authority figure
Reactions & Public Sentiment
- Advocacy
Groups: Amnesty International and other
civil society actors condemned the move, stating that Uguamaye was
exercising her constitutional right to free speech .
- Public
Outcry: On Reddit, many Nigerians rallied
in support:
“If they like Tinubu, they are a part of the problem
too.”
Another commented:
“We need to improve our institutions, not dismiss their importance entirely.”
Bigger Picture & Implications
- Institutional
Authority vs. Rights: The case highlights how
regulatory structures within NYSC may clash with democratic rights and
whether such disciplinary measures align with constitutional freedoms.
- Welfare
Under Scrutiny: Critics also draw attention to
broader NYSC issues, including delayed allowance increases and substandard
living conditions—fueling resentment among corps members
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