Amnesty International has called on the management of Madonna University, Elele Campus, Rivers State, to reverse the expulsion of a final-year nursing student and the suspension of 14 other 500-level students over a viral TikTok video.
The human rights organisation made the call in a statement shared on X after the university took disciplinary action against the students.
Amnesty International Condemns Expulsion and Suspensions
Amnesty International described the punishments handed to the students as disproportionate and asked the university to reconsider its decision. The organisation also called on the university to use dialogue and mediation to resolve the matter. 
Amnesty International said the sanctions could affect the students’ education and academic progress, especially the final-year nursing student who now faces expulsion.
The organisation said the students have rights to freedom of expression, education and academic freedom.
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Amnesty Warns About Students’ Rights
Amnesty International warned that the university’s decision could discourage other students from expressing themselves for fear of facing disciplinary action.
The organisation said students should be able to express themselves without facing excessive academic penalties. It also asked Madonna University to review its policies and disciplinary procedures to ensure they meet international human rights standards.
Organisation Calls for Protection of Affected Students
Amnesty International further urged the university to protect the rights of all the students affected by the disciplinary measures. It pointed to their rights to freedom of expression, education and academic freedom.
The issue started after a TikTok video involving the nursing students went viral. The university subsequently expelled one final-year nursing student and suspended 14 other 500-level students.
Amnesty International’s intervention has brought fresh attention to the university’s decision and the way it handled the incident.
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