Madonna University, Elele Campus in Rivers State, has expelled one final-year nursing student and suspended 14 others following the circulation of a viral TikTok video showing the students dancing in hospital settings.
The 500-level students participated in the popular “Gen Z nurses” social media challenge, filming themselves in blue nursing uniforms dancing energetically in a hospital hallway, waiting area, staircase, and inside a bus on the university’s premises.
The video, which carried a Pidgin English caption reading variations of “No fall sick o, na Gen Z full hospital now” or “No sick oo, nah Gen Z full hospital,” was uploaded around August 2026 and gained widespread attention in September, amassing millions of views across platforms.
The student identified as Mercy, who featured prominently in the opening seconds of the clip and reportedly owned the TikTok account, received an expulsion letter.
The other 14 students involved were handed suspension letters by the university senate. The institution regarded the conduct as unprofessional and inappropriate for nursing students in a clinical environment.
Madonna University’s Director of Communications and Public Affairs, Chima Achu, confirmed the disciplinary actions and stated that the university would issue a formal official statement on Monday.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has appealed for clemency. In a statement, NANS President Akinteye Afeez (also known as Babtee) acknowledged that the students’ behaviour fell short of the discipline and professionalism expected of nursing undergraduates.
However, he urged the university management to temper justice with mercy and replace the expulsion with a stern warning or other less severe corrective measures.
NANS noted that the affected students had invested years of study, significant resources, and hope into their nursing careers, warning that permanent expulsion at this advanced stage could have lasting negative effects on their academic progress, future professional prospects, and mental wellbeing. The association suggested the students could be required to sign undertakings not to repeat such conduct.
The Nigerian Universities Nursing Students’ Association (NUNSA) has also initiated discussions with relevant authorities to seek a review of the sanctions, aiming for a fair and favourable resolution.
The incident has sparked mixed reactions online, with some supporting the university’s firm stance on professional standards in healthcare training, while others, including medical influencers, have called for a more lenient approach given the students’ final-year status.
The university is yet to release its comprehensive official position on the matter.
About the Author
