…as student linked to viral TikTok clip faces academic setback
A storm of controversy has engulfed the Delta State College of Nursing following allegations that Osato Edobor, a top-performing final-year student, was deliberately failed in her final examinations after a viral video in which she and fellow students rebuffed a ceremonial gesture toward Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
The video, which made rounds in March 2025, captured the moment students, in a sharp and humorous chorus and others, rejected the call by the Executive Assistant to the State Governor, Pastor Tos Powell Ojogho, the Master of Ceremony (MC), who led a political song, chanting, “Na our Mama be this o, we no get another one, na our Mama be this o.” But the mixed crowd chatted back “Na your mama be this.”
The First Lady was visiting Asaba as part of her Renewed Hope Initiative health outreach.
Edobor, one of the students seen in the footage, became the focus of school disciplinary action shortly after the incident.
Despite being known for academic excellence since her admission, she has now allegedly failed her final exams, sparking widespread outcry over what many believe is a case of institutional victimization and political witch-hunt.
“This is a clear case of punishment masked as assessment,” a source told SaharaReporters. “Osato has consistently been one of the best students.
“She didn’t just suddenly start failing. This is clearly connected to the viral video and the political fallout.”
Following the incident, the College issued a disciplinary query accusing Edobor of “malicious conduct” for recording and posting the event on social media while in uniform.
The March 27 query, signed by Provost Mrs. Evbodaghe Rita Ogonne, referenced the student handbook and accused her of violating professional and institutional ethics.
The provost further claimed in a statement that Edobor brought disrepute to the institution, alleging that her conduct included comments that were disrespectful to both the First Lady and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
“She insulted the governor and said if she had a gun, she would have bombed people,” the provost claimed, an allegation Edobor’s video does not explicitly support.
However, the controversial remarks referenced in the disciplinary letter came from a light-hearted video documenting the students’ trip to the event venue.
In the footage, Edobor is heard speaking in pidgin, making sarcastic remarks about the security checks, saying: “Make una no bomb Tinubu wife o, cos if not, we go don bomb am.” Critics say the comment was figurative and humorous, not a literal threat.
The student also joked about not knowing the school’s anthem and not remembering the Delta State Governor’s name, adding, “I’m not from Delta State.”
Amid the backlash, the Delta State Government intervened, with the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, ordering the withdrawal of the query and assuring the public that no student would be victimized.
Despite this, sources claim that the student’s examination failure is a veiled continuation of the reprisal.
Although, a closer look at the query letter reveals several inconsistencies and questionable actions by the institution:
1. Lack of Specific Allegation: The letter does not state any law or regulation that explicitly prohibits students from posting personal content on social media, raising concerns about the arbitrary nature of the accusation.
2. Questionable Use of “Malicious Act”: The school labels the student’s action as “malicious” without providing any evidence of intent to harm or disrupt the event. The phrase appears exaggerated and legally ambiguous.
3. Absence of Due Process: The institution demands a written explanation within 24 hours, yet the letter does not indicate that the student was given an opportunity to defend herself before being accused of wrongdoing.
4. Confusion Over Disciplinary Grounds: The letter references “Page 21” of the student handbook without specifying the exact rule that was allegedly violated, leaving room for speculation about whether the punishment is arbitrary.
5. Poor Grammar and Structure: The official communication contains multiple grammatical errors and awkward phrasing, including “found on your TikTok Page” instead of “TikTok Page,” as well as other unclear expressions. This raises concerns about professionalism in handling student affairs.
Observers and activists have described the case as a dangerous precedent, where institutional power is allegedly being weaponized to punish dissent and silence free expression among students.
“This is not just about one student,” one civil rights advocate said. “It’s about whether our educational institutions will respect freedom of speech and fair treatment or cave to political intimidation.”
As the fallout continues, Nigerians are watching closely to see whether justice will be served for a student many believe is being punished, not for her performance, but for her audacity to speak freely.
Efforts to get an official response from the State government was unsuccessful as text messages sent to the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme and his Information counterpart, Mr. Charles Aniagwu went unanswered
