Amnesty International Demands Reversal of Madonna University Students’ Expulsion, Suspension

Amnesty International has called on Madonna University, Elele Campus in Rivers State, to reverse the expulsion of a final-year nursing student and the suspension of 14 other 500-level students over a viral TikTok video.

The rights organisation made the appeal in a post on its X account on Thursday, describing the disciplinary measures as disproportionate and urging the university to resolve the matter through dialogue and mediation.

The sanctions followed the circulation of a video showing nursing students dancing in a hospital waiting area, staircase and bus at the university’s Elele campus. The video was reportedly part of a social media trend known as the “Gen Z nurses” challenge.

The final-year nursing student, identified as Mercy, was expelled, while 14 other 500-level students were suspended following the incident. A 15-second version of the video published by Yabaleftonline on September 1 reportedly recorded more than 1.7 million views on X.

Amnesty argued that the affected students were entitled to freedom of expression, academic freedom and education. It said the disciplinary measures could have serious consequences for their academic progress and potentially discourage students from exercising those rights.

“The students have the rights to freedom of expression, academic freedom and education. The expulsion and suspension are harsh and would create a chilling effect on the enjoyment of these rights,” the organisation said.

Amnesty also urged the university to ensure that its disciplinary policies and procedures comply with international human rights standards. It said the institution should uphold the rights to freedom of expression, education and academic freedom while addressing the incident.

The matter had earlier attracted appeals from the Nigerian Universities Nursing Students’ Association and the National Association of Nigerian Students. NUNSA said it had begun discussions with relevant stakeholders to seek a review, while NANS appealed for clemency. The university’s Director of Communications and Public Affairs, Chima Achu, had said the institution would issue an official statement.