Minister Hannatu Musawa Addresses NYSC Certificate Controversy: “I Didn’t Do Anything Wrong”.
The Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has once again addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate. Speaking as a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme, Musawa expressed her frustration with the narrative, maintaining her innocence and stating that she will not be distracted by the issue.
The controversy first surfaced during her ministerial screening in 2023, when Musawa was unable to provide evidence to the Senate that she had completed the mandatory NYSC scheme. Despite this, she was confirmed as a minister after President Bola Tinubu submitted her name for approval. Following her appointment, some individuals took the matter to court, arguing that her appointment was in violation of the law since she had not completed the service.
In April 2024, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, dismissed the case, ruling that the plaintiffs lacked the legal standing to pursue the matter. Despite the ruling, public speculation around Musawa’s NYSC status has persisted.
Responding to the issue during the interview, Musawa stated, “The fact that I am sitting here means that I didn’t do anything wrong.” She added that while she has yet to publicly clarify the situation, she intends to share her side of the story in due time. “Social media has just run rife with different accounts,” she noted, hinting at the proliferation of rumours surrounding the issue.
Musawa also made a surprising remark, claiming she had completed “at least two NYSCs,” though she did not offer further clarification. While the controversy continues to spark public interest, the Minister remains steadfast, choosing not to dwell on the past and instead focusing on her responsibilities in office.
