The Delta State College of Nursing Science has withdrawn a controversial query letter issued to a student, Osatohemwen Edobor. The decision came after widespread criticism from Nigerians, including activists and legal professionals, who condemned the disciplinary action.
Edobor received the query after posting a video from an event in Asaba, Delta State, where nursing students were seen rejecting a song meant to praise First Lady Oluremi Tinubu. The event, centered around a “health programme and distribution of 10,000 professional kits,” featured a compere leading a chant: “Na awa mama be this; we no get another one.” However, the students responded with “Na your mama be this,” signaling their refusal to participate in the praise.
Shortly after the video surfaced online, the college issued a query to Edobor, accusing her of misconduct. This action sparked backlash, with prominent voices like activist Omoyele Sowore and lawyer Inibehe Effiong demanding the withdrawal of the disciplinary measure. Many Nigerians also took to social media to express their disapproval, arguing that the college’s reaction was unnecessary and oppressive.
Under mounting pressure, the school officially retracted the query in a letter dated March 28, 2025. The letter, signed by the school’s provost, Mrs. R. Evbödaghe, referenced an intervention by the Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme.
“The Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, in his magnanimity, has directed the school authority to withdraw the query issued to you on the 27th of March, 2025. You are, therefore, to return the query letter through the student affairs officer to the office of the provost. The school authority regrets any inconveniences this must have caused the state,” the letter stated.
