By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Abuja
ABUJA: The Office of the First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has responded to the controversy surrounding a viral video showing nursing students in Delta State chanting during her visit, urging institutions to balance discipline with students’ right to express themselves.
The video, which emerged from the Renewed Hope Initiative’s donation of 10,000 professional kits to midwives in the South-South zone at the Dome Event Centre, Asaba, sparked mixed reactions.
While the First Lady was warmly received, a section of the footage showed some students playfully modifying a welcome song, leading to disciplinary actions by the Delta State College of Nursing Sciences.
Following the incident, reports surfaced that some students had been issued queries for their involvement in the chants.
Reacting to this, the Senior Special Assistant to the First Lady on Media, Busola Kukoyi, released a statement emphasizing the need for understanding in handling such matters.
“While the Office of the First Lady respects the right of institutions to uphold discipline, it is important to recognize that students, in moments of excitement, often express themselves in a light-hearted manner.
We believe educational institutions should foster an environment where students feel safe to express themselves while maintaining decorum,” Kukoyi stated.
The First Lady expressed appreciation for the hospitality extended by the Delta State government and the enthusiasm shown by nurses, midwives, and student nurses at the event.
Meanwhile, the Delta State government has reportedly intervened, ordering the withdrawal of the query issued to the affected students.
The development has drawn reactions from stakeholders, with activists and former public officials criticizing the institution’s handling of the matter.
A former Vice-Chancellor of Delta State University, Professor Eric Arubayi, urged schools to focus on mentorship rather than punitive measures. “Young people will always express excitement in different ways. The focus should be on guiding them, not penalizing harmless expressions,” he said.
With the issue generating debate, many are calling for a review of disciplinary measures in educational institutions, ensuring that students can express themselves without fear of undue sanctions.