The Delta State College of Nursing Sciences, Agbor, has come under heavy criticism following its decision to query a student, Osato Edobor, over a viral social media post related to First Lady Remi Tinubu’s visit.

The controversy, which ignited widespread debate on freedom of expression, prompted the state government to step in and order the withdrawal of the disciplinary action.

The incident occurred during the First Lady’s visit on Tuesday as part of the Renewed Hope Initiative Health Programme and the distribution of 10,000 professional kits. While students were expected to chant in support of the First Lady, a section of them responded differently, leading to an online backlash.

A video of the altered chant, which surfaced on TikTok, showed students modifying the lyrics from “Na our mama be this o, we no get another one” to “Na your mama be this oo ehh…,” an apparent rejection of Mrs Tinubu.

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Reacting to the video’s circulation, the school authorities issued a disciplinary query to Edobor, accusing her of engaging in a “malicious act” of unauthorised recording and posting the footage on the social media. The query, dated March 27, 2025 and signed by the provost of the institution, Mrs Evbodaghe Rita Ogonne, cited a violation of the student handbook and demanded a written explanation within 24 hours.

The school’s action, however, sparked widespread condemnation from academics, activists and legal professionals.

A former vice chancellor of the Delta State University, Professor Andy Egwuyenga, criticised the provost’s decision as excessive and unprofessional.

“Querying a student over this matter reflects poor judgement. Students will always be students. The state government has already clarified that the song was not meant as an insult to the First Lady,” Egwuyenga stated.

A human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, also condemned the move, vowing legal and physical support for the student.

Similarly, an Abuja-based lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, described the query as an attack on freedom of expression and warned of nationwide protests if the school did not retract it.

Amidst mounting pressure, the Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, intervened, apologising for the provost’s action and directing her to withdraw the disciplinary letter issued to Edobor.

“On the trending letter issued to the student, I have instructed the provost to withdraw it. We don’t want to victimise any student. The student has also confirmed to me that the letter was withdrawn last night. There’s calm everywhere and no one is being victimised,” Onojaeme said in a 33-second video.