The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has appealed to Madonna University to reconsider the expulsion of a nursing student following a viral social media video. The video, recorded within a hospital environment, showed nursing students engaging in a playful recording. NANS National President, Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, made the appeal after the university took disciplinary action against students involved in the video. The incident has sparked controversy over the appropriateness of such conduct in a professional healthcare setting.
According to NANS, 14 nursing students were suspended, while only one student, reportedly the person who made the social media post, was expelled. The clarification followed earlier reports suggesting that all the affected students had been expelled. NANS acknowledged that the students' conduct was inappropriate and inconsistent with the discipline and professional standards expected of nursing students. However, the association appealed to the university management to reconsider the severity of the punishment.
Afeez said the association did not condone indiscipline or conduct that violated institutional and professional standards. He argued that expulsion could have serious consequences for the affected student's academic and professional future. The student had invested years, financial resources, and personal effort into their nursing education. NANS urged Madonna University to consider a corrective disciplinary measure rather than permanently ending the affected student's academic journey.
The students' body appealed to the university to replace the expulsion with a stern warning or another less severe disciplinary measure. The affected students should be given an opportunity to learn from the incident and continue their education under appropriate conditions. NANS also urged students across the country to understand that freedom of expression and social media activity must be exercised within the rules and regulations governing their institutions.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to promoting discipline, moral conduct, and academic excellence among Nigerian students while advocating for the welfare and interests of students. As of the latest clarification, the university had suspended 14 students and expelled one, while NANS was appealing specifically for the expulsion to be reconsidered. The incident has raised concerns about the responsibilities that come with social media usage, particularly in professional training environments.
The viral video, which carried the caption "No sick o, na Gen Z full hospital," attracted widespread attention and criticism. The footage showed nursing students engaging in a playful recording within a hospital environment, sparking concerns about the appropriateness of such conduct. Madonna University took disciplinary action against the students involved, leading to the suspension and expulsion.
NANS continues to advocate for the welfare and interests of students, promoting discipline and academic excellence while urging institutions to consider the consequences of severe punishments. The association's appeal to Madonna University highlights the need for a balanced approach to disciplinary actions, taking into account the students' future prospects and the importance of upholding professional standards.
Key points
- NANS appeals to Madonna University to reconsider expulsion of nursing student over viral video
- 14 nursing students suspended, one expelled for viral social media video
- NANS advocates for corrective disciplinary measures, stern warnings, or less severe punishments
