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National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members are affected by Nigeria’s economic challenges. Various appeals have been made to enhance the welfare of these young individuals, but their monthly allowance has remained ₦33,000, even after the implementation of the increased minimum wage in July 2024.
Despite multiple assurances from the former NYSC Director-General, Yusha’u Ahmed that corps members’ monthly allowances would increase from ₦33,000 to ₦77,000, by February 2025, this adjustment has not been implemented.
This has led to growing concerns and debates regarding the welfare of corps members and to increasing frustration among corps members.
On March 15, 2025, a corp member named Ushie Uguamaye, popularly known as Raye, openly criticised the Bola Tinubu-led administration as “terrible.” She said that food inflation and other economic challenges currently facing the country have subjected citizens to hardship since his tenure began.
She complained of the constant increase in prices. She referenced the cost of a crate of eggs, which has soared from N800 to N6,500. She also lamented how electricity bills and Uber fees have also increased.
Since March 19, 2025, Ushie’s post has generated 32,804 likes, 5,014 comments and 3,308 shares.
While some agreed with her, others, like the President’s aide, Temitope Ajayi, criticised her in a recent statement.
He said that any other citizen could abuse the government but not a corps member. He also stated that she violated her oath and code of conduct and that it is a capital punishment under NYSC.
This controversy caught our attention because there are questions about what NYSC laws say. Does the law explicitly prohibit corps members from dissenting from the government, or is the president’s aide’s reaction an act of intimidation?
As part of DUBAWA’s Media and Information Literacy (MIL) focus, the explainer article educates the public by examining the NYSC’s code of conduct and bye-laws in Nigeria.
The NYSC’s Code of Conduct
NYSC has established guidelines that ensure corps members maintain discipline and uphold the programme’s integrity.
Although there are no specific NYSC bye-laws explicitly prohibiting corps members from criticising the government, corps members are expected to respect constituted authorities and refrain from actions that could discredit the NYSC or government institutions.
Section 3(i) of the NYSC bye-laws (Revised 2011) specifies that corps members should not address the press on policy issues without prior written consent from the State Coordinator.
“Any member who addresses the press on any policy issue without the written consent of the State Coordinator shall be tried by the Camp Court and, if found guilty, be liable to extension of service for thirty (30) days on half pay.”
This implies that corps members are generally expected to seek approval from NYSC authorities before publicly commenting, particularly when criticising government policies. However, this law applies only to corps members observing the mandatory 21-day orientation camp training.
Legal Rights of Corps Members
Under Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution (1999), every citizen, including corps members, has the right to freedom of expression. This includes the right to freely form opinions and access, share, and freely express ideas and information.
However, this right can be limited by laws governing civil servants, security personnel, and NYSC members. NYSC Bye-Laws (2011) outlines offences such as engaging in political debates or actions that may bring disrepute to the scheme or government.
Still, corps members cannot be unlawfully detained or punished for expressing opinions unless they violate specific laws, such as defamation or incitement.
Expert Opinion
DUBAWA sought a legal opinion from an expert regarding the issue. In an interview with Amina Miango, a lawyer, she stated that, under the Nigerian constitution, every citizen is guaranteed the right to freedom of expression and thought.
“A corps member’s right to criticise the government is protected under Sections 38 and 39 of the Constitution. Additionally, section 2 of the constitution, which outlines the fundamental objectives and directive principles of state policy, and section 22, which defines the obligations and duties of citizens, further reinforce this right,” she explained.
Amina further emphasised that one of the fundamental duties of a citizen is to contribute positively and meaningfully to the progress, advancement, and well-being of their community. “If we are to look at it, this means holding the government and its institutions accountable in your country,” she added.
Addressing concerns about Raye’s potential violations of NYSC Byelaws, she clarified, saying “that the corps member in question did not violate or contravene any NYSC Byelaws. The regulations specify that corps members must seek permission before speaking to the press; however, expressing personal opinions on social media does not constitute speaking to the press. Sharing one’s experiences and concerns about national issues does not amount to speaking to the press.”
DUBAWA also spoke with Francis Tobechukwu Ochei, a school attorney at Veritas University, Abuja who provided a legal perspective. He acknowledged that while the Nigerian Constitution is the highest law of the land and guarantees freedom of expression, corps members also have obligations under the NYSC scheme.
“Yes, the Constitution is the highest law of the land. Under the Constitution, she has the right to freedom of expression. However, she is also a corps member who has taken an oath of allegiance and, in a sense, is a ‘child of the government.’ She has pledged allegiance to the government and, as such, cannot engage in actions that discredit or tarnish its image,” he explained.
He further stated that while the corps member did not violate any specific NYSC bye-laws, her actions placed the government in an unfavourable light. “What she did does not contravene any NYSC Bye-laws, but it did embarrass the government and portray it negatively. She will not be found wanting if the code of conduct is strictly followed. However, she did breach her oath of allegiance, for which she may face reprimand,” he added.
DUBAWA also spoke with Agbo Obinnaya, a barrister in Abuja, who provided legal insight into the constitutional rights of corps members. He emphasised that while the NYSC operates under its regulations, these laws cannot override the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution.
“Yes, it is within her constitutional rights to express herself under Chapter 4 of the Constitution, which provides for a plethora of rights, including the freedom of expression. We are in a democracy, and every citizen has the right to express their displeasure with the government’s performance,” he stated.
He further explained that any provision of the NYSC Byelaws that seeks to limit a corps member’s constitutionally guaranteed rights would be invalid. “The NYSC Bye-Laws cannot stop a citizen from enjoying her constitutionally guaranteed rights. If they do, then they are null and void to the extent of their inconsistency, under Section 1(3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he added.
Conclusion
While the Nigerian Constitution guarantees every citizen, including corps members, the right to freedom of expression, the NYSC operates under its own set of rules that emphasize discipline and allegiance to the government. Legal experts agree that expressing personal opinions, especially on social media, does not violate NYSC Bye-Laws, but it may be seen as embarrassing or critical of the government. However, any attempt to suppress a corps member’s constitutional rights would be legally questioned, experts noted.
