Madonna University, Rivers State, has confirmed the expulsion of some nursing students following a viral video recorded inside the institution’s teaching hospital.

The university’s Public Relations Officer, Chima Achu, confirmed the development in a WhatsApp interview with Premium Times on Saturday.

The students reportedly recorded themselves inside the university’s teaching hospital and posted the video online with the caption, “No sick oo, nah Gen Z full hospital.” The video subsequently attracted widespread reactions on social media.

Achu said the university was preparing an official response to the incident, which is expected to be released on Monday.

“We’re preparing a response that’ll go out on Monday; of course there’ll be an official position by the university,” he said.

NANS Appeals for Clemency

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has appealed to the university management to reconsider the expulsion.

NANS President, Akinteye “Babtee” Afeez, described the students’ conduct as unacceptable and said it fell below the standards of discipline and professionalism expected of members of the university community.

However, he urged the institution to replace the expulsion with a less severe disciplinary measure.

Afeez said the students had spent years and significant resources pursuing careers in nursing, warning that expulsion could have serious consequences for their education and future careers.

“Expulsion is, by far, a grave punishment. Beyond the immediate academic consequences, it can fundamentally alter the course of a young person’s life,” he said.

He appealed to the university to issue the students a stern warning and allow them to continue their studies.

According to him, the students now understand the seriousness of their actions and have taken responsibility for their conduct.

“We therefore appeal to the compassion and clemency of the Management of Madonna University to please save their future and give them a second chance,” Afeez said.

He added that disciplinary measures should seek to correct and guide students while maintaining the standards expected of them.

NANS said it remained committed to promoting academic excellence, ethical conduct and discipline among students across Nigeria.