The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has dismissed claims that it withheld the Certificate of National Service (CNS) of a corps member, Ushie Rita Uguamaye (state code LA/24B/8325), because of alleged critical remarks about the government.

In a statement posted on its official page, the NYSC described the allegation as “entirely unfounded and false in its entirety,” insisting that the decision was taken for valid disciplinary reasons in line with its bye-laws.

According to the NYSC, Ms Ushie is one of 131 corps members whose certificates were withheld for various infractions. In her case, her service year was extended by two months after she failed to attend the April 2025 biometric clearance exercise.

“This extension is a standard procedure and not unique to her case. The principle of equal treatment was applied as it is in all similar situations,” the statement read.

The scheme stressed that such extensions for non-compliance had been a longstanding tradition in its operations.

The NYSC called on the public to assess the matter objectively and avoid politicising it, noting that the sanction was part of its established disciplinary measures.

“The NYSC remains committed to discharging its mandate in line with the dictates of the constitution,” the statement added.

Reaffirming its dedication to fairness and discipline, the scheme restated its slogan: “Nigeria is ours; Nigeria we serve.”