Madonna University Expels Nursing Student, Suspends 14 Over Viral Video

Madonna University, Elele Campus in Rivers State, has taken disciplinary action against 15 final-year nursing students following the circulation of a TikTok video showing students dancing in different areas of the university's hospital environment.

One 500-level nursing student, identified as Mercy, was reportedly expelled while 14 other students involved in the video were suspended. The disciplinary action has sparked debate among students, healthcare professionals and members of the public over whether the punishment is proportionate.

The video, which was reportedly recorded on the university premises in August, showed nursing students participating in a social media trend popularly referred to as the “Gen Z nurses” challenge. Scenes included students dancing in a hospital waiting area, on a staircase and inside a bus.

The video later gained significant attention online after being shared by social media platforms and blogs. A 15-second version posted by Yabaleftonline on September 1 reportedly surpassed 1.7 million views on X(Formerly known as Twitter).

Online Reaction and Appeal

The disciplinary action became a subject of wider discussion after healthcare content creator Nurse Girma drew attention to the case and appealed to Madonna University to reconsider the expulsion.

In a video shared on Friday, Girma said he had received information that the university's senate had approved the disciplinary measures against the students.

He also explained that he initially believed the people in the video were already registered nurses before discovering that they were nursing undergraduates.

Girma subsequently appealed for leniency, particularly because the affected student was reportedly in her final year.

The reaction online has been divided. Some users argued that the students' conduct was inappropriate for future healthcare professionals and potentially damaging to the university's reputation. Others described expulsion as excessive, particularly given the students' years of academic and clinical training.

Nursing Students' Association Seeks Review

The National Executive Council of the Nigerian Universities Nursing Students' Association (NUNSA) has also intervened in the matter.

The association said it had begun discussions with relevant stakeholders and was working to communicate its concerns to Madonna University's management. NUNSA said its objective was to seek a fair resolution while representing the interests and welfare of the affected students.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) also appealed to the university to reconsider the expulsion and suspensions.

The student body argued that an expulsion at the final stage of an academic programme could have significant consequences for the affected students' education and future careers. It suggested that alternative disciplinary measures, including a stern warning, could be considered.

Madonna University Yet to Issue Full Statement.

The university has not yet released its detailed official position on the matter.

The director of communication and public affairs, Chima Achu said that the university would issue an official statement on Monday.

The development therefore remains subject to the university's formal explanation of the disciplinary decision and the circumstances surrounding the viral video.

The incident has meanwhile raised broader questions about how universities should regulate students' social media activities, particularly when content is recorded in professional or clinical environments, while balancing institutional discipline with the academic future of students.