Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has distanced herself from the disciplinary query issued to a nursing student in Delta State, stating that students should be allowed to express themselves freely in moments of excitement.
This comes after a viral video surfaced online showing student nurses playfully chanting “Na your mama be this?” during her visit to the Dome Event Centre, Asaba, on March 25, 2025. The event was part of the Renewed Hope Initiative—a programme that distributed 10,000 professional kits to midwives across Nigeria’s South-South region.
The video sparked controversy, leading to disciplinary action by the Delta State College of Nursing Sciences against a student nurse, Osato Edobor. The student was accused of misconduct for posting the clip on her TikTok page, and asked to explain in writing why she should not face disciplinary action.
However, the First Lady’s office has released a statement disowning the query and emphasizing that the expressions seen in the video were simply signs of joy and excitement from the students.
“It was a playful and spontaneous expression of excitement,” a spokesperson for the First Lady said. “Students often express themselves in lighthearted ways, and we don’t want to take away from the spirit of joy felt at the event.”
The statement further acknowledged the warm reception received from the Delta State Government, healthcare workers, and students, adding that the event was meant to inspire, not create tension.
“We believe students should be allowed to express themselves freely, provided they maintain respect and decorum,” the spokesperson added.
Following the incident, reports also surfaced that Edobor was allegedly pressured by the state’s Ministry of Health to record a video thanking Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his supposed intervention in the matter.
The First Lady’s office called on the Delta State College of Nursing Sciences to handle the situation with fairness and understanding. “Our ultimate goal is to ensure this remains a positive experience for all involved,” the office stated.
Reporters had earlier reported that the original query accused Edobor of engaging in a “malicious act” during an official event. The act was considered a breach of the student handbook and potentially punishable.
The situation has since sparked public backlash online, with many Nigerians criticizing the institution for what they consider an overreaction to a harmless student display.
Oluremi Tinubu concluded by reiterating that the focus should remain on empowering healthcare professionals and creating an educational environment where students feel free, respected, and motivated.
