A disciplinary storm has hit Delta State College of Nursing Sciences after a viral video showed students rejecting Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as “everyone’s mother” during her visit to Asaba.
The institution has issued a disciplinary query to a student, Osato Edobor, for allegedly recording and posting an “unauthorized” video from the event. The letter, signed by Provost Evbodaghe Rita Ogonne and dated March 27, 2025, accuses Edobor of engaging in a “malicious act” by recording herself singing an “unofficial response” to a song during the First Lady’s arrival at the Dome Event Centre.
The event, part of the Renewed Hope Initiative Health Programme, saw 10,000 professional kits distributed to midwives in the South-South. However, controversy erupted when the event’s MC introduced Oluremi Tinubu as “everyone’s mother,” a customary title for Nigerian First Ladies. The nursing students responded in unison, “Na your mama be this,” meaning “This is your mother,” rejecting the designation.
The college cited Page 21, No. 8 of its Student Handbook, stating that Edobor’s action was a punishable offense. She has been given 24 hours to submit a written explanation justifying why she should not face disciplinary action.
The video, which has since gone viral, has fueled public debate, with many linking the students’ reaction to growing frustration over Nigeria’s economic hardship under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Rising inflation, food scarcity, and high living costs have heightened discontent, particularly among the youth.
Despite the backlash, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori praised the First Lady’s health sector contributions during the event. She also met with traditional rulers, including the Orodje of Okpe and retired Major General Felix Mujak Peruo.
See the letter below.
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