March 28, (THEWILL) – Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on educational institutions to create an environment where students feel safe to express themselves while upholding discipline.
Her remarks follow the controversy surrounding a disciplinary query issued by the Delta State College of Nursing Sciences to a student, Osato Edobor, over a viral video capturing students altering the lyrics of a welcome chant during her visit to the school.
THEWILL recalls that Mrs. Tinubu was at the institution on March 25, 2025, for the Renewed Hope Initiative Health Programme, where she oversaw the distribution of 10,000 professional kits (Crocs and scrubs) to midwives in the South-South zone.
During the event, the Master of Ceremony (MC) led a chant, saying, “Na our mama be this oo, we no get another one,” to which students responded, “Na your mama be this oo eeh.” However, a section of the students disagreed with the MC’s lyrics, and the moment was captured on video.
The school management subsequently issued a query to Nurse Osato Edobor for recording and sharing the video online.
The action sparked outrage, prompting Delta State Commissioner for Health, Joseph Onojaeme, to intervene and direct the school to rescind the disciplinary action.
Reacting to the incident, the First Lady cautioned the school’s management against punitive measures that infringe on students’ right to free expression.
In a statement issued on Friday by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady emphasised the need for balance between discipline and freedom of expression in academic institutions.
The statement read, “The attention of the Office of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has been drawn to a video circulating on social media, showing chants welcoming both the First Lady of Delta State and the First Lady of Nigeria during the Renewed Hope Initiative’s donation of 10,000 Professional Kits to Midwives in the South-South zone, held at the Dome Event Centre, Asaba, Delta State, on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
“The event was primarily to motivate midwives across the nation, with the aim of reducing infant and maternal mortality and morbidity in Nigeria. Her Excellency deeply appreciates the warm reception by the Delta State Government, the people of Delta State, as well as the enthusiasm shown by nurses, midwives, women groups, and student nurses present at the event.
“However, a section of the video, allegedly recorded by some students at the event, showed a spontaneous and playful twist to the welcome song. Sequel to that, it has come to our attention that some of the students of the Delta State College of Nursing Sciences have been issued a query regarding their participation in the chants.
“While the Office of the First Lady of Nigeria 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 and jovial manner.
“The Office of the First Lady believes that educational institutions should foster an environment where students feel safe to express themselves while maintaining decorum.
“The First Lady’s visit was intended to inspire and uplift healthcare professionals, and it is our hope that this event remains a positive and motivating experience for all involved.
“We trust that the Delta State College of Nursing Sciences will handle this matter with understanding and fairness, ensuring that students continue to thrive in an environment that balances discipline with free expression.”
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