Senator Oluremi Tinubu, wife of the President, has weighed in on the controversy surrounding Delta State College of Nursing Sciences, where students were reportedly issued a query over a modified welcome song.
The First Lady urged the college’s management to approach the matter with understanding and fairness, ensuring that students’ rights are respected throughout the process.
This reaction follows reports that the management had threatened disciplinary action against students who appeared in a viral video, where they chanted a song that allegedly caused embarrassment to Mrs. Tinubu during her recent visit.
In a statement issued by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi, Senator Tinubu emphasized the importance of balancing discipline with the freedom of expression in educational environments.
She cautioned the college management against taking any punitive actions that could suppress students’ rights to express themselves freely.
The statement reads in part: “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, 25th March, 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 enthusiasm shown by nurses, midwives, women groups, and student nurses present at the event.
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“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.”
