Amnesty International has called on the management of 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.
Key Highlights
- Amnesty International wants Madonna University to reverse the students’ sanctions.
- A final-year nursing student was reportedly expelled, while 14 others were suspended.
- The disciplinary action followed the circulation of a viral video featuring nursing students.
- Amnesty said the sanctions could affect the students’ education and academic progress.
- The rights organisation urged the university to resolve the dispute through dialogue and mediation.
- NUNSA and NANS have also appealed for a review of the disciplinary measures.
Amnesty Challenges Madonna University Sanctions
Amnesty International, in a statement shared on its X account on Thursday, described the disciplinary measures against the students as disproportionate and urged the university to reconsider its decision.
The organisation called for dialogue and mediation involving the affected students and other relevant stakeholders, stressing the need to protect their rights to freedom of expression, education and academic freedom.
Amnesty warned that the sanctions could have serious consequences for the students’ academic progress and may discourage other students from exercising their rights.
It also urged Madonna University to review its disciplinary procedures to ensure that they comply with international human rights standards.
Viral Video Triggers Disciplinary Action
The sanctions followed the circulation of a video showing nursing students dancing in different locations, including a hospital waiting area, a staircase and a bus.
The video, reportedly recorded at the university’s Elele campus, was said to be part of a social media trend known as the “Gen Z nurses” challenge.
A 15-second version of the video shared by Yabaleftonline on September 1 reportedly attracted more than 1.7 million views on X.
Following the controversy, one of the affected students, identified as Mercy, was expelled, while 14 other 500-level nursing students were suspended.
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Amnesty Warns of Impact on Students
Amnesty International said the disciplinary measures were harsh and could have a chilling effect on the students’ enjoyment of their fundamental rights.
The organisation therefore called on the university authorities to reconsider the sanctions and engage the affected students through dialogue rather than allowing the dispute to escalate.
The rights group also stressed that disciplinary processes in educational institutions should take into account students’ rights while addressing concerns over conduct.
NUNSA, NANS Appeal for Clemency
The controversy has also attracted reactions from student organisations, including the Nigerian Universities Nursing Students’ Association (NUNSA) and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
NUNSA said it had commenced engagement with relevant stakeholders in an effort to secure a review of the university’s decision.
Similarly, NANS appealed to Madonna University to show clemency, warning that the expulsion of a final-year student could have long-term consequences for the affected students’ academic and professional careers.
The calls for a review come as the university faces growing pressure from rights and student organisations to reconsider the disciplinary measures imposed over the viral video.
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