Amnesty International has asked Madonna University, Elele Campus, Rivers State, to reverse sanctions against 15 nursing students. The call followed a viral TikTok video featuring the students.
The rights group made the demand in a Thursday post on X. It described the expulsion and suspensions as disproportionate. Amnesty also urged the university to settle the matter through dialogue and mediation.
“The expulsion and suspension are disproportionate. The university should prioritise dialogue and mediation,” it said.
The university expelled a final-year nursing student, identified as Mercy. It also suspended 14 other 500-level nursing students. The sanctions followed a video showing students dancing in a hospital waiting area, staircase and bus. The clip formed part of the popular “Gen Z nurses” social media challenge. A 15-second version reportedly gained over 1.7 million views on X.
Meanwhile, Amnesty warned that the sanctions could damage the students’ academic and professional futures. The organisation said the students have rights to freedom of expression, education and academic freedom. It also warned that harsh punishment could create a “chilling effect” on those rights.
Earlier, the Nigerian Universities Nursing Students’ Association and National Association of Nigerian Students appealed for leniency. NUNSA said it had started talks with stakeholders over the decision. NANS also urged the university to reconsider the sanctions.
The university’s Director of Communications and Public Affairs, Chima Achu, had promised an official statement.
