Amnesty International urges the authorities of Madonna University Elele Campus, Rivers State, to rescind the expulsion a final-year nursing student, and the suspension 14 other 500-level students over a viral TikTok video. The expulsion and suspension are disproportionate.
The university should prioritize dialogue and mediation. Imposing heavy-handed academic or disciplinary sanctions would terminate the academic progress of the affected students.
The students have the rights to freedom of expression, academic freedom and education. The expulsion and suspension are harsh and would create a chilling effect on the enjoyment of these rights.
The university’s policies and procedures should conform to international human rights standards. Also, the university must uphold the rights of everyone, including the rights to freedom of expression, education and academic freedom.