The Delta State College of Nursing Sciences, Agbor, has rescinded a disciplinary query issued to a student, Osato Edobor, following widespread backlash over her involvement in a viral video during Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu’s visit to the state. The video captured nursing students humorously rejecting the customary title of the First Lady as “everyone’s mother,” sparking public debate.
The controversy began when Edobor recorded and shared a TikTok video where students responded to the First Lady’s introduction with chants of “Na your mama be this o” (This is your mother), refusing to accept the designation. In her own clip, Edobor added, “Na your mama be that ooo, my mama dey house” (That is not my mother; my mother is at home). The school accused her of violating disciplinary rules by posting the video without authorization.
Public reaction was swift, with many Nigerians criticizing the school’s move as an infringement on free expression. Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore described the query as emblematic of repression under the current administration. Similarly, Mr. Macaroni, a popular content creator, questioned the necessity of such disciplinary action over what he termed harmless self-expression.
Responding to the backlash, Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, directed the school to withdraw the query and assured the public that no student would be victimized. The withdrawal was confirmed in a letter dated March 28, 2025.
In a statement, Oluremi Tinubu characterized the students’ actions as playful and urged the institution to balance discipline with free expression.
