Amnesty International has called on the management of Madonna University, Elele Campus, Rivers State, to reverse the expulsion of a final-year nursing student and the suspension of 14 other 500-level students over a viral social media video.
The rights organisation made the call on Thursday, describing the sanctions as disproportionate and urging the university to resolve the matter through dialogue and mediation.
Amnesty said the university should rescind the expulsion and suspensions imposed on the affected students following the circulation of the video on social media.
Students Sanctioned Over Viral Video
The disciplinary action followed the circulation of a video showing nursing students dancing in a hospital waiting area, on a staircase and inside a bus at the university’s Elele campus.
The video was reportedly part of a social media trend known as the “Gen Z nurses” challenge.
A 15-second version of the video published by Yabaleftonline on September 1 reportedly attracted more than 1.7 million views on X, bringing widespread attention to the students involved.
The university subsequently expelled a final-year nursing student identified as Mercy and suspended 14 other 500-level nursing students.
Amnesty Raises Human Rights Concerns
Amnesty International argued that the sanctions could have serious consequences for the students’ education and future professional careers.
The organisation said the affected students were entitled to freedom of expression, academic freedom and education, warning that harsh disciplinary measures could create a chilling effect on the exercise of those rights.
Amnesty urged the university to review the sanctions and ensure that its disciplinary policies and procedures comply with international human rights standards.
It also called on the institution to uphold the rights of all students while addressing any concerns arising from the video through appropriate disciplinary and restorative measures.
Nursing Students, NANS Appeal
The sanctions had earlier attracted appeals from the Nigerian Universities Nursing Students’ Association (NUNSA) and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
NUNSA said it had begun discussions with relevant stakeholders in an effort to secure a review of the university’s decision.
NANS, meanwhile, appealed to the institution for clemency, expressing concern that the expulsion could have lasting consequences for the affected student’s academic and professional future.
The university’s Director of Communications and Public Affairs, Chima Achu, had earlier told Sunday PUNCH that the institution would issue an official statement on the matter.
Amnesty has now urged the university to prioritise dialogue, mediation and a rights-based approach in resolving the dispute.
