Raye Declares She Doesn’t Need NYSC Certificate to Thrive
When life throws a curveball, some people catch it and run with it—others just shrug and keep thriving. Ushie Rita, better known as Raye, a serving corps member in Lagos State, has taken the latter approach in response to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) withholding her Certificate of National Service.
During a live TikTok session, Raye expressed her frustration with the scheme, accusing it of trying to project an image of being “unshakeable” while, in her words, some officials themselves violated the rules they enforce. “I did not have that certificate before, yet my life is great. NYSC insists they are not giving me the certificate. NYSC is trying to prove they are unshakeable, whereas their own people are the ones breaking the rules. I am no longer interested in the certificate,” she said, making it clear she refuses to let the missing paper define her achievements.
When asked about complying with the two-month extension of her service year imposed by NYSC, Raye dodged a direct answer, signaling she might not be in a rush to follow the scheme’s directive.
The NYSC, meanwhile, dismissed rumors circulating online that the certificate denial was linked to critical comments Raye made about the government. Describing these claims as “entirely unfounded,” the organization stated the sanction was due to valid disciplinary issues.
Raye is reportedly among 131 corps members whose certificates were withheld for various infractions. Specifically, the NYSC said her service year was extended by two months because she missed the April 2025 biometric clearance exercise, a penalty they claim aligns with NYSC bye-laws.
Despite the official stance, Raye’s message resonates: success and fulfillment aren’t always tied to a piece of paper, and she’s determined to prove it.