Delta State College of Nursing Science has succumbed to public pressure and withdrawn the query issued to a student, Osatohemwen Edobor, over a viral video featuring an event attended by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu.
Earlier, the college had reprimanded Edobor for sharing footage of nursing students refusing to sing praises of Mrs. Tinubu at the event. The incident occurred during a health program and distribution of 10,000 professional kits in Asaba, Delta State. When the event’s compere led a song eulogizing the First Lady—singing, “Na awa mama be this; we no get another one”— the students rejected the chant, responding, “Na your mama be this.”
The query issued to Edobor sparked widespread criticism from Nigerians, including activists Omoyele Sowore and lawyer Inibehe Effiong, who demanded its immediate withdrawal.
Following the backlash, the college rescinded the disciplinary action in a letter dated March 28, 2025. Signed by the school’s provost, Mrs. R. Evbödaghe, the letter confirmed that Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, had directed the query’s withdrawal.
“You are, therefore, to return the query letter through the student affairs officer to the office of the provost,” the letter stated, adding that the school “regrets any inconvenience this must have caused the state.”
