Amnesty urges Madonna University to reverse students’ sanctions

PORT HARCOURT — Amnesty International Nigeria has urged the authorities of Madonna University, Elele Campus, Rivers State, to rescind the expulsion of a final-year nursing student and the suspension of 14 other 500-level students over a viral TikTok video.

The rights organisation made the call in a post on its X platform on Thursday, describing the expulsion and suspensions as disproportionate.

Amnesty International urged the university to prioritise dialogue and mediation in resolving the matter, warning that heavy-handed academic or disciplinary sanctions could jeopardise the students’ academic progress.

According to the organisation, the affected students have rights to freedom of expression, academic freedom and education.

It said the expulsion and suspensions were harsh and could create a chilling effect on the exercise of those rights.

“Amnesty International urges the authorities of Madonna University Elele Campus, Rivers State, to rescind the expulsion of a final-year nursing student and the suspension of 14 other 500-level students over a viral TikTok video,” the organisation said.

“The expulsion and suspension are disproportionate.”

Amnesty International further called on the university to ensure that its policies and disciplinary procedures conform to international human rights standards.

It urged the institution to uphold the rights of all students, particularly their rights to freedom of expression, education and academic freedom.