First Lady Remi Tinubu has responded to the disciplinary action taken against Osato Edobor, a student at Delta State College of Nursing Sciences, over a viral video in which student nurses made playful remarks about her.
The college’s management issued a query to Ms. Edobor, with a letter signed by Provost Evbodaghe Rita Ogonne, which circulated widely online on Friday.
In a statement released by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi, Mrs. Tinubu acknowledged the enthusiasm of the students and attributed their actions to being caught up in the moment.
While she emphasized the importance of discipline in educational institutions, she also urged administrators to consider the context of students’ behavior when making disciplinary decisions.
Mrs. Tinubu expressed appreciation for the warm reception she received from the Delta State government, its citizens, and the healthcare professionals present at the event, including nurses, midwives, and women’s groups.
She called on the Delta State College of Nursing Sciences to approach the matter with fairness, recognizing that students often express themselves in lighthearted ways during moments of excitement.
The First Lady reiterated that the event aimed to encourage midwives across Nigeria in efforts to reduce infant and maternal mortality.
“The Office of the First Lady respects institutions’ authority to enforce discipline but also recognizes that students, in moments of excitement, may express themselves playfully,” the statement read.
“We trust that the Delta State College of Nursing Sciences will address the matter with fairness and understanding, ensuring a balance between discipline and free expression.”