Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has reacted to a now-viral controversial video of nursing students chanting in rejection during her visit to Delta State College of Nursing Sciences.
Media Talk Africa reported on Friday that a nursing student of Delta State College of Nursing Sciences, Edobor Osatohemwen, was earlier issued a query for posting a video in which some students refused to eulogise the wife of Nigeria’s president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, at a function in Asaba.
Following this, the college issued Edobor a query letter, which sparked widespread condemnation and calls for its withdrawal.
Subsequently, in an update, the school bowed to pressure and withdrew the query.
Meanwhile, in a statement by Remi Tinubu’s spokesperson, Busola Kukoyi, she downplayed the rejection chant, describing it as a “lighthearted and jovial” moment from a section of the students.
“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 and the people of Delta State, as well as the enthusiasm shown by nurses, midwives, women’s 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 recognise that students, in moments of excitement, often express themselves in a lighthearted and jovial manner,” the statement read.
