Omoyele Sowore, the AAC presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has revealed the tough and rough journey he faced during his university days marked by activism at the University of Lagos (UNILAG).
This resulted in his expulsion twice due to his staunch advocacy for human rights.
Speaking at THE PUNCH’s 50th anniversary and the launch of “Our Punch Years” book, Sowore recounted his challenging academic experience and the subsequent denial of his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate despite completing the mandatory service year.
Recalling his tenure at UNILAG, Sowore emphasized the pivotal role played by media outlets like Punch Newspaper and Vanguard in supporting their cause during his expulsion struggles.
He spent six years instead of the usual four at the university due to these confrontations.
Regarding his NYSC service in Adamawa State, he detailed how he was arrested and detained by the military under the regime of Sani Abacha on allegations of plotting to overthrow the government.
This occurred after reporting the death of King Saro Wiwa during his work as a journalist at ATV Yola.
Despite completing his service, Sowore was never issued his NYSC certificate.
He credited a Punch reporter, Stanley Yakubu, for bringing attention to his unjust detention, acknowledging that without this intervention, he might have been forgotten and left to perish in the military facility.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Sowore asserted that despite not possessing the NYSC certificate, he believes his extensive service and contributions to the country far exceed that of an average corps member.
“Till today, I was never given my NYSC certificate. I don’t have my NYSC certificate as I speak, but I don’t need it anymore because I have served the country more than any corps member.”
