Madonna University in Rivers State has confirmed that some nursing students were expelled because of a viral video that stirred a lot of reactions on social media.
The university’s Public Relations Officer, Chima Achu, shared this news in a WhatsApp chat with PREMIUM TIMES on Saturday.
Mr Achu explained that the students recorded the video inside the university’s teaching hospital. They posted it with the caption, “No sick oo, nah Gen Z full hospital.”
“We’re preparing a response that’ll go out on Monday; of course there’ll be an official position by the university. I just thought I should let you know. Thank you,” Mr Achu said.
NANS speaks out
In the meantime, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has asked the university management to rethink its decision to expel the students involved.
NANS President, Akinteye “Babtee” Afeez, stated in a message on Friday that the students’ behavior was not acceptable.
He added that their actions did not show the level of discipline and professionalism expected from students in the university.
He said, “However, we humbly appeal to the management of Madonna University, a reputable institution with a long-standing commitment to academic excellence and character formation, to temper justice with mercy and reconsider the severity of the punishment imposed on these students.
“Expulsion is, by far, a grave punishment. Beyond the immediate academic consequences, it can fundamentally alter the course of a young person’s life. These students have invested years of their lives, resources and hopes in pursuing a professional career in Nursing. An expulsion at this stage could have a lasting toll on their academics, their future careers and their mental and emotional wellbeing.”
Call for mercy
Mr Afeez also urged the university management to show mercy by allowing the affected students to continue their studies.
He asked the school to reconsider the expulsion and instead give the students a serious warning.
“We are certain that these students now understand the gravity of what they have done and already regret their action of gross misconduct. They have all taken responsibility and have already learnt their lessons the hard way.
“Therefore, we appeal to the compassion and clemency of the Management of Madonna University to please save their future and give them a second chance,” he said.
Future matters
The union leader pointed out that discipline should aim to correct and guide students rather than completely closing the door on their futures.
He mentioned that the suspended students are young Nigerians with dreams, families who depend on them, and promising futures ahead.
“This must not be the point at which their dreams come to an end. We respectfully appeal to the University Management to reconsider the decision and replace expulsion with a stern letter of warning.
“We are optimistic that the Management of Madonna University will consider this humble appeal and save the future of these students.”
Mr Afeez said the association is committed to promoting academic excellence, ethical values and discipline among all students in Nigeria.
He added that the group will not accept moral decay and will keep encouraging students to act responsibly.
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