The Edo chapter of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has extended the service of some corps members by 90 days.

The punishment, TheCable understands, was approved by Frances Ben-Ushie, the Edo state coordinator of NYSC.

The affected corps members were penalised for protesting their unpaid N77,000 allowance in a social media group.

They learned of their punishment after receiving a “notification of extension of service” instead of the expected discharge certificates.

The NYSC management in Edo sanctioned the corps members with a 90-day service extension without pay.

The sanctioned corps members, it is understood, were originally scheduled to complete their service year on March 17, 2025.

However, the punishment has drawn criticism from social media users, with many arguing that the penalty does not match the offense.

Among the critics is Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate under African Action Congress (AAC), who said the action is “unacceptable and therefore, will not stand”.

“NYSC in Edo is punishing corps members with a 90-day extension—without pay—for simply demanding their rightful ₦77,000 allowance?” a user of the microblogging site X asked.

“Instead of addressing the non-payment, they resort to oppression. This is exploitation, not service to the nation! Unacceptable!”

Another user argued that the corps members deserved to be punished for their actions.

“Well, it serves them right. But I 100% know the new @officialnyscng, as a regular will temper justice with mercy by releasing them,” the post read.

As of this reporting, Caroline Embu, the NYSC spokesperson, had yet to speak on the matter.

The Cable