“I Don’t Need Your Certificate to Succeed” – Corper Raye Fires Back at NYSC

Lagos based corps member, Ushie Rita popularly known as Raye has boldly responded to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) after the agency withheld her Certificate of National Service. 

In a defiant statement made during a live TikTok session, Raye dismissed the importance of the certificate, insisting it does not define her success or life trajectory. 

“I did not have that certificate before, yet my life is great. NYSC insists they are not giving me the certificate. They’re trying to prove they’re unshakeable, meanwhile, some of their own staff are the ones breaking the rules. I’m no longer interested in the certificate,” she said. 

When asked whether she would comply with NYSC’s decision to extend her service year by two months, Raye declined to give a direct response. 

The NYSC had earlier addressed claims circulating online, denying that her certificate was withheld because of her outspoken views or criticism of the government. Instead, the organization clarified that the decision was based on “valid disciplinary reasons.” 

According to the NYSC, Raye is one of 131 corps members whose certificates are being withheld due to various infractions. 

Specifically, her case involved missing the mandatory biometric clearance exercise in April 2025, a violation which, under NYSC bye-laws, automatically results in a two-month service extension.