Madonna University Expels One Nursing Student, Suspends 14 Others

Madonna University, Elele Campus in Rivers State, has expelled one nursing student and suspended 14 others following a controversial video recorded within the institution’s teaching hospital.

The disciplinary action was confirmed by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Chima Achu, according to Premium Times. The students were reportedly involved in recording and sharing a video from the hospital, which was accompanied by the caption, “No sick oo, nah Gen Z full hospital.”

Punch reported that the expelled student, identified as Mercy, was a 500-level nursing student. Fourteen other students involved in the incident were handed suspension.

The video reportedly showed nursing students dancing at different locations within the hospital environment, including a waiting area, a staircase and a bus. The footage was uploaded in August amid a social media trend involving healthcare workers creating dance videos in clinical settings.

The disciplinary action generated further reaction after reports initially suggested that all the students involved had been expelled.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), however, clarified that the university expelled one student while suspending 14 others. NANS President, Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, acknowledged that the conduct displayed in the video was inappropriate but appealed to the university to reconsider the expulsion.

NANS argued that the affected student had spent several years pursuing the nursing programme and urged the institution to consider a less severe punishment.

Punch also reported that the Nigerian Universities Nursing Students’ Association was engaging relevant stakeholders over the disciplinary measures.

Meanwhile, Premium Times reported that Madonna University was preparing an official response to the controversy.

Based on the reports available, the disciplinary measures confirmed so far are the expulsion of one nursing student and the suspension of 14 others, while NANS is calling on the university to review the expulsion.

LSmedia [email protected]