Madonna University, Elele Campus, Rivers State, has expelled a final-year nursing student and suspended 14 other 500-level students over their involvement in a viral TikTok video recorded on the university premises.
The affected students reportedly featured in a dance video filmed in different locations, including a hospital waiting area, staircase and a bus, as part of a social media trend tagged the “Gen Z nurses” challenge.
The student identified simply as Mercy, who appeared in the opening seconds of the video dancing in a hospital hallway, was reportedly issued an expulsion letter during the week.
The video, which was uploaded in August and gained wider attention on social media last month, carried a Pidgin English caption, “No fall sick o, na Gen Z full hospital now.”
A 15-second version of the video published by Yabaleftonline on September 1 reportedly attracted more than 1.7 million views on X.
The development has generated mixed reactions from members of the public, with some condemning the students’ conduct and others calling on the university to reconsider the severity of the sanctions.
A medical influencer and TikTok content creator, Nurse Girma, who drew attention to the video, said the university’s Senate had approved the disciplinary measures.
According to him, the student whose account was used to publish the video was expelled, while the other students involved were suspended.
Girma appealed to the university management to temper justice with mercy, particularly because the affected student was in her final year.
“I know what has happened has happened, but I want to appeal to the school to temper justice with mercy,” he said.
Some social media users, however, supported the university’s decision, arguing that the students, as final-year nursing undergraduates, were expected to understand the professional standards associated with healthcare practice.
Others described the expulsion as excessive, considering the years of academic work, clinical training, examinations and financial investment involved in nursing education.
The National Executive Council of the Nigerian Universities Nursing Students’ Association, NUNSA, also appealed for a review of the sanctions.
In a statement signed by its National President, Madu Valentine, and Secretary General, Ogwuche Joy, the association said it had commenced discussions with relevant stakeholders to seek a fair resolution.
The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, similarly appealed to the university management to show clemency, arguing that expulsion at the final stage of the students’ education could have serious consequences for their academic and professional future.
NANS urged the institution to consider alternative disciplinary measures, including a stern warning.
Meanwhile, the Director of Communications and Public Affairs of Madonna University, Chima Achu, said the institution would issue an official statement on the matter.
“The university will officially respond to this issue, and you will get it on Monday,” Achu told newsmen on Sunday
Madonna University was established as the first private Catholic university in West Africa and operates campuses in Elele, Rivers State; Okija, Anambra State; and Akpugo, Enugu State.
