ABRAKA, Nigeria (FN) — Delta State University has suspended a second-year microbiology student for four semesters after she allegedly filmed a dying classmate at the university’s health center and posted the video on TikTok.
The student, Ezi Ugoma, appeared before the institution’s Students’ Disciplinary Committee in August and was found to have committed gross misconduct and violated the university’s matriculation oath, according to an official letter dated Oct. 21 and signed by Principal Assistant Registrar Ughwumiakpor A.
The university’s vice chancellor, Prof. Samuel O. Asagba, approved the committee’s recommendation to rusticate Ugoma for four semesters, effective from the 2025/2026 academic session. She is expected to resume studies in the 2027/2028 session.
“You appeared before the Students’ Disciplinary Committee to defend yourself against allegations of gross misconduct and breach of matriculation oath arising from inappropriate filming of a dying student,” the letter stated.
The university said copies of the disciplinary letter were sent to Ugoma’s sponsor and other relevant authorities for further action.
The incident has sparked public debate and criticism, with some calling the punishment excessive. Arise TV presenter Rufai Oseni condemned the decision in a post on X, formerly Twitter, describing it as “unjustifiable.” He urged the vice chancellor to reconsider, saying the video’s caption was intended to discourage abortion.
Oseni also claimed Ugoma’s stepfather had asked her to abandon her education following the suspension. “Her stepfather told her to kiss her education goodbye and prepare to return to the village,” he wrote.
The Delta State Government has also weighed in. In a similar case earlier this year, the government intervened to reverse disciplinary action against a nursing student over a social media post. A senior official, speaking anonymously, said, “We are monitoring the situation. The government believes in fair treatment and will engage the university if necessary.”
The National Universities Commission issued a statement urging institutions to balance discipline with compassion. “While universities must uphold standards, they must also consider the intent and impact of student actions,” the commission said.
The Delta State Government said it was monitoring the situation and would engage the university if necessary. A senior official, speaking anonymously, said the government supports fair treatment for students.
The case has reignited discussions about disciplinary practices in Nigerian universities, and sparks aa debate about freedom of expression, student rights, and the role of social media in campus life. Many are calling for reforms to disciplinary processes and better mental health support for students facing institutional sanctions.
In a similar case in 2020, Rivers State-owned Ignatius Ajuru University of Education reversed the suspension of two students who had been penalized for social media posts. The students, Chibuzor Remmy and Sunday Okpokpo, were initially demoted academically but later reinstated after public pressure.
