Raye: Did NYSC Extend Her Service? This Is What We Know

Storm of controversy has swirled around Rita Ushie Uguamaye, popularly known as Raye, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member serving in Lagos, following her viral TikTok video criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The video, posted in March 2025 via her handle
@talktoraye, saw Raye tearfully lament Nigeria’s economic hardship, skyrocketing inflation, and the inadequacy of the NYSC allowance, while describing Tinubu as a “terrible leader” and Lagos as a “smelling state” with “poor living conditions.”

The clip sparked nationwide attention, drawing both support and backlash, but recent claims that the NYSC extended her service year by two months as punishment have ignited fresh debate.

Here’s what we know about whether her service was extended, why it might have been, and what could happen next.

Was Raye’s Service Year Extended?

The question of whether Raye’s NYSC service year was extended remains contentious, with conflicting reports muddying the waters.

On June 24, 2025, multiple reports stated that the NYSC had extended Raye’s service by two months, allegedly as a punitive measure for her outspoken criticism.

Jonathan Ugbal, South-South Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, said that Raye was summoned to a disciplinary panel at the NYSC orientation camp in Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, on June 18.

He claimed she apologized to officials for the public backlash her video caused, but was later informed by her mother of the extension, leaving her emotionally distressed.

“Upon her arrival at Iyana Ipaja last Wednesday without any formal letter, she was met by the Local Government Instructor who spoke to her and asked her to return this week despite the scarce resources she burned to get there.

“She went there eventually, and she faced them, apologising to the staff who felt hurt due to the backlash they received from the public.”

“Her mother called me moments ago to inform me that she called crying over the phone that her service year has been extended by two months. I have reached out to her, but she is not in a good frame of mind to speak,” Jonathan added.

However, the NYSC has firmly denied these claims. Carol Embu, Acting Director of Press and Public Relations, stated on June 24 that no extension had been issued, emphasizing that such decisions are made only during the formal passing-out process and follow strict guidelines outlined in the NYSC Bye-Laws.

“I don’t understand how she will get an extension if she is still serving,” Embu stated.

“NYSC is not an irresponsible organisation; we work with rules and regulations.”

Has Raye Herself Confirmed The Extension?

As of June 26, 2025, Raye has not posted any updates on her social media platforms, confirming a service year extension. This silence fuels uncertainty, as the lack of direct confirmation from Raye or an official NYSC statement leaves the matter unresolve

Why Might Her Service Have Been Extended?

If the extension is true, it could stem from Raye’s actions violating the NYSC Bye-Laws (Revised 2011), which govern corps member conduct. Specifically, Section 3(I) prohibits addressing the press or engaging in social media activities related to NYSC without the State Coordinator’s written consent.

A corps member found guilty of this by the Camp Court faces a potential extension of service for 30 days on half pay.

Raye’s viral video, which criticized the government and indirectly implicated the NYSC by questioning the scheme’s benefits, could be interpreted as unauthorized media engagement.

Additionally, her comments may have been seen as “rudeness to constituted authority,” another violation under Section 3(III), which carries a penalty of at least 30 days’ extension with half pay.

The Bye-Laws also allow for disciplinary actions like service extensions for misconduct, decided by the Corps Disciplinary Committee during primary assignment or at passing out.

Raye’s summoning to the Iyana Ipaja camp on June 18, as reported by Ugbal, suggests a disciplinary process was initiated, possibly linked to these violations.

However, the NYSC’s denial and the lack of an official statement addressing Raye’s earlier claims of threats from officials in March when she alleged pressure to delete her video raise questions about transparency.

Critics argued that if the extension is false, the organization should issue a clear public statement to dispel rumors.

“Punishing a corps member for speaking out against economic hardship sends a chilling message to young Nigerians,” one report noted, highlighting concerns about freedom of expression under Section 39 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.

What Will Happen Next?

The next steps hinge on whether the extension is confirmed. If true, Raye could face an additional two months of service, likely with reduced pay, as per NYSC guidelines.

Activists like Omoyele Sowore, who has vowed to protest at the NYSC passing-out parade if Raye is not allowed to complete her service “without let or hindrance,” may escalate public pressure.

Sowore’s involvement, alongside support from figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has already amplified the case.

Civil rights groups could pursue legal action, arguing that the extension infringes on Raye’s constitutional right to free speech, potentially leading to a broader national debate about NYSC’s disciplinary powers.

If the NYSC’s denial holds and no extension is imposed, Raye is expected to complete her service in July 2025, as she had one month left as of June.

However, her silence on the matter and the NYSC’s failure to address her earlier allegations of threats could keep the controversy alive.

“The NYSC must be transparent,” said Chinomso Thelma Momoh, a journalist. “Young people should feel safe expressing their views without fear of institutional backlash.”

The NYSC may also face pressure to clarify its disciplinary process, especially given Brigadier General O.O. Nafiu’s June 20 statement cautioning corps members against criticizing the government or NYSC on social media.

Raye’s story underscores the tension between institutional authority and individual expression, with public scrutiny likely to demand clarity in the weeks ahead.