The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has announced a two‑month extension to the service year of Rita Ushie Uguamaye—widely known as Raye on Instagram—after she went viral criticising President Bola Tinubu’s handling of Nigeria’s worsening economic crisis. The Lagos‑based corps member, mobilised in Batch B 2024, had stirred nationwide debate with her TikTok video highlighting surging inflation and branding Tinubu a “terrible leader”
Raye’s video, which drew widespread attention, featured expressive commentary on the skyrocketing cost of essentials. She recalled how a crate of eggs soared from around ₦800 to approximately ₦6,500 within a short period—underscoring the crushing financial burden on ordinary Nigerians . The clip ignited the hashtag #TinubuIsaTerriblePresident, resonating with youthful disillusionment and concerns over fuel subsidy removal, currency devaluation, and stagnant NYSC allowances
Shortly after the video circulated, Raye reported receiving threats from NYSC authorities, allegedly urging her to pull down the clip. She also shared that some officials accessed her personal address from registration records—sparking alarm and a wider conversation about harassment and free‑speech boundaries
Raye later shared a screenshot of an invitation from the Eti‑Osa Local Government Inspector’s office in Lagos, summoning her for questioning
Her case attracted strong solidarity. Human rights group Amnesty International and civil liberties organisation SERAP both condemned what they termed an intimidation campaign, affirming that peaceful dissent falls well within Nigerian citizens’ rights . Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex‑Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili publicly endorsed Raye, commending her bravery and urging authorities to respect democratic expression
The Trade Union Congress also weighed in, urging the government to tolerate public frustration rather than clamp down on dissenting voices
Under NYSC’s Bye‑Laws (Revised 2011), a corps member deemed “rude to constituted authority” can face disciplinary action including service extension by at least 30 days with half pay
Raye, initially facing a 30‑day extension, has now been granted an additional two months—bringing her service year to a total of 14 months.
This move, while technically compliant with NYSC rules, escalates ongoing debates over the balance between institutional discipline and individual liberty. With inflation currently hovering around 34 %, and basic commodity prices outstripping the monthly NYSC stipend of roughly ₦33,000, many see Raye’s stand as emblematic of broader socio‑economic frustrations
As Raye approaches her new discharge date, the spotlight remains on whether the extended service term will silence her or further inflame calls for accountability and reform. The NYSC’s decision, while grounded in its regulations, has undoubtedly added fresh momentum to the national conversation on youth voices, economic hardship, and democratic freedoms.