The Delta State College of Nursing Science has retracted the query letter issued to student Osatohemwen Edobor after receiving significant public pressure. This query stemmed from Edobor's posting of a video that showcased nursing students declining to praise First Lady Oluremi Tinubu during an event.
According to reports, the incident occurred during a health program and the distribution of 10,000 professional kits in Asaba, Delta State. During the event, the compere initiated a song praising Mrs. Tinubu, singing, "Na awa mama be this; we no get another one." In a surprising turn, the nursing students collectively responded, "Na your mama be this," leading to Edobor being questioned by the college authorities.
The query letter generated considerable backlash across Nigeria, prompting calls from activists and legal professionals, including Omoyere Sowore and lawyer Inibehe Effiong, to rescind the reprimand.
In response to the mounting criticism, the college formally withdrew the query in a letter dated March 28, 2025. The letter, signed by the school provost, Mrs. R. Evbödaghe, stated, “The Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, has directed the school authority to withdraw the query issued to you on March 27, 2025.”
The letter further instructed Edobor to return the original query through the student affairs officer to the office of the provost, while expressing regret for any inconvenience caused by the issue.
This incident highlights the delicate intersection of student expression and institutional response in Nigeria’s educational landscape.
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