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| Photo credit — National Association of Nigeria Students |
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on Madonna University, Elele, Rivers State, to review the expulsion of one nursing student and the suspension of 14 others. The disciplinary measures followed a viral social media video showing students dancing in areas associated with the university’s teaching hospital.
The video, connected to a “Gen Z nurses” social media trend, depicted nursing students dancing in hospital-related settings on the campus. It included a Pidgin English caption that drew public attention and criticism for appearing inconsistent with the professional standards expected in a clinical training environment.
According to reports and a clarification from NANS, the university’s senate imposed an expulsion on the student linked to posting the video and suspended the other 14 students involved. NANS initially received information suggesting broader expulsions but later corrected the record after further inquiries.
In a statement, NANS President Akinteye Babatunde Afeez confirmed the updated details: 14 students received suspensions while one faced expulsion.
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NANS described the students’ actions as inappropriate and out of line with the ethics, discipline, and professional expectations of the nursing profession. At the same time, the association urged the university to consider a less severe response. It argued that permanent expulsion, particularly for a student in a professional programme such as nursing, could have long-term consequences for education, career prospects, and personal development.
“Taking a student out of the university, especially a student pursuing a professional course such as Nursing, can have a profound and lasting impact on the student’s education, career and future,” NANS stated. The body asked management to replace the expulsion with a warning or another corrective measure so the students could learn from the incident and continue their studies.
Madonna University’s Department of Nursing Science, established in 2001, operates alongside its teaching hospital. The programme emphasises clinical training, professional ethics, moral integrity, and discipline. This context underpins the university’s decision to treat the incident as a serious breach of expected standards.
NANS also used the occasion to advise Nigerian students more broadly. It stressed that while students have rights to expression, their conduct on social media and within institutional settings must respect established rules and professional norms.
The association reaffirmed its dual role of defending student welfare and promoting academic excellence, discipline, and responsible behaviour.
As of the latest available information, Madonna University has acknowledged the disciplinary actions through its Director of Communications and Public Affairs, Chima Achu, and indicated that a fuller official statement would be released. No detailed public response to the NANS appeal had been issued at the time of writing.
The case highlights ongoing tensions between evolving social media culture among students and the strict professional standards required in healthcare training. NANS has said it will continue advocating for students while encouraging responsible conduct both inside and outside academic institutions.
Samuel O. Sulaimon is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Naijapiz. He covers News, Sports, Finance, Faiths, Education, Technology.
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