The Delta State government has directed the provost of the Delta State College of Nursing Sciences to withdraw the query issued to Osato Edobor, a student who posted a viral video about Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s visit to the state.
Edobor’s video captured moments from the visit, highlighting how students allegedly humiliated the First Lady during the event. In response, the college management accused her of misconduct and disrespecting Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, subsequently issuing her a disciplinary query.
However, the state government intervened, with the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, instructing the college to retract the query. In a 33-second video, Onojaeme reassured the public that the government had no intention of victimizing any student.
“On the trending letter that was issued to the student of the school of nursing, Agbor, I have instructed the provost to withdraw the letter. We don’t want to victimize any of the students,” he stated. “I have also reached out to the student in question, and she confirmed that the letter was withdrawn last night.”
The Delta State Government further affirmed this decision in a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, emphasizing its commitment to upholding students’ rights in health sciences and related programs.
Earlier reports indicated that authorities had pressured Edobor to record a video thanking Governor Oborevwori for intervening in the matter. The original query letter, signed by the college provost, Mrs. Evbodaghe Rita Ogonne, accused Edobor of engaging in a “malicious act” by recording, singing, and posting the video, allegedly violating the institution’s disciplinary guidelines.
The controversy stems from a viral video showing nursing students rejecting the First Lady’s designation as their “mother” during the event. When the Master of Ceremony introduced Tinubu using the phrase “Na our mama be this” (“This is our mother”), the students responded in unison, “Na your mama be this” (“This is your mother”), signaling their disapproval.
The incident underscores the growing frustration among Nigerians over economic hardship under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
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