Amnesty Challenges Madonna University Sanctions, Seeks Second Chance for Nursing Students

Amnesty International has called on the management of Madonna University, Elele Campus, Rivers State, to reconsider the disciplinary measures imposed on nursing students over a viral social media video, warning that the sanctions could have serious consequences for their education and future careers.

The rights organisation made the appeal on Thursday, October 8, 2026, after the university expelled a final-year nursing student identified as Mercy and suspended 14 other 500-level nursing students over a TikTok video showing students dancing in different locations within the university environment.

The video, which formed part of the “Gen Z nurses” social media trend, showed the students dancing in a hospital waiting area, on a staircase and inside a bus. It was recorded at the university’s Elele campus and later circulated widely on social media.

Amnesty said the punishment handed down to the students was disproportionate and urged the university to resolve the matter through dialogue and mediation rather than measures that could interrupt the students’ academic progress.

The organisation also raised concerns about the wider implications of the sanctions, particularly because the affected students are at an advanced stage of their nursing education. It argued that students are entitled to education, academic freedom and freedom of expression, while stressing that disciplinary procedures should be consistent with international human rights standards.

Amnesty said the expulsion and suspension could create what it described as a chilling effect on students’ enjoyment of their rights, particularly where disciplinary action has the potential to affect their education and professional future.

The development has already generated appeals from student organisations seeking a review of the university’s decision. The Nigerian Universities Nursing Students’ Association had earlier said it had begun discussions with relevant stakeholders to seek a fair resolution for the affected students.

The National Association of Nigerian Students also appealed to the university to show clemency, arguing that expelling a final-year student could have lasting consequences for the student’s academic progress and future career.

The controversy began after the nursing students’ video attracted widespread attention online. A 15-second version of the clip reportedly recorded more than 1.7 million views on X after it was published on September 1.

The sanctions have since generated a broader debate over how universities should balance institutional rules and professional standards with students’ rights, particularly in an era where social media activities can quickly reach millions of people.

While the university has yet to publicly announce a reversal of the sanctions, Amnesty has urged the management to reconsider its decision and prioritise dialogue and mediation.

The latest intervention puts renewed attention on the fate of the affected nursing students, with calls growing for the university to review the penalties while ensuring that students are held accountable through disciplinary measures that do not unnecessarily end or derail their professional training.

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