From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has appealed for fairness and understanding in the handling of disciplinary action against Osato Edobor, a nursing student at Delta State College of Nursing Sciences, following her involvement in a viral video during the First Lady’s visit to Asaba on March 25, 2025.
The incident occurred during the Renewed Hope Initiative Health Programme at the Dome Event Centre, where Mrs. Tinubu distributed 10,000 professional kits to midwives in the South-South region. A video from the event captured nursing students humorously rejecting a song that referred to Mrs. Tinubu as “Our mama,” responding instead with “Na your mama be this.”
Edobor was later issued a query by the College, accusing her of violating institutional rules by recording and posting the video on social media. The provost of the college, Evbodaghe Rita Ogonne, labeled Edobor’s actions as a “malicious act” that contravened the student handbook. The query demanded Edobor submit an explanation within 24 hours or face potential disciplinary action.
In response to the controversy, Mrs. Tinubu’s media aide Busola Kukoyi, in a statement, emphasised the importance of balancing discipline with freedom of expression. “Students often express themselves in light-hearted ways during moments of excitement,” the statement read. “Educational institutions should foster an environment where students feel safe to express themselves while maintaining decorum.”
The First Lady expressed gratitude for the warm reception she received in Delta State and urged the College to approach the matter with fairness to ensure students thrive in a supportive environment.
The statement titled: “Re: Students’ Expression during First Lady of Nigeria’s visit to Delta State,” reads: “The attention of the Office of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has been drawn to a video circulating on social media, showing chants welcoming both the First Lady of Delta State and the First Lady of Nigeria during the Renewed Hope Initiative’s donation of 10,000 Professional Kits to Midwives in the South-South zone held at the Dome Event Centre, Asaba, Delta State, on Tuesday, 25th March, 2025.
“The event was primarily to motivate midwives across the nation, with the aim of reducing infant and maternal mortality, and morbidity in Nigeria. Her Excellency deeply appreciates the warm reception by the Delta State Government, the people of Delta State, as well as the enthusiasm shown by nurses, midwives, women groups, and student nurses present at the event.
“However, a section of the video, allegedly recorded by some students at the event, showed a spontaneous and playful twist to the welcome song. Sequel to that, it has come to our attention that some of the students of the Delta State College of Nursing Sciences have been issued a query regarding their participation in the chants. While the Office of the First Lady of Nigeria respects the right of institutions to uphold discipline, it is important to recognise that students, in moments of excitement, often express themselves in a light-hearted and jovial manner.
“The Office of the First Lady believes that educational institutions should foster an environment where students feel safe to express themselves while maintaining decorum. The First Lady’s visit was intended to inspire and uplift healthcare professionals, and it is our hope that this event remains a positive and motivating experience for all involved.
“We trust that the Delta State College of Nursing Sciences will handle this matter with understanding and fairness, ensuring that students continue to thrive in an environment that balances discipline with free expression.”