TikTok video: Sanctioned Madonna varsity nursing students apologise, seek leniency

Fifteen nursing students of Madonna University, Nigeria, have apologised to the institution’s management and appealed for leniency following disciplinary action over a controversial TikTok video recorded during their community posting.

The students, in a letter dated November 2, 2026, and made available to PUNCH Online on Tuesday, admitted that they filmed and uploaded a video captioned “No Sick oo Na Gen Z full hospital”, saying it had brought disrepute to the nursing profession and the university community.

The video, which showed the students dancing in different locations, including a hospital waiting area, staircase and a bus on the university’s Elele campus in Rivers State, was part of a social media trend known as the “Gen Z nurses” challenge.

The clip attracted widespread attention and criticism, with some social media users questioning the appropriateness of recording dance content in a hospital environment, particularly by students undergoing clinical training.

The controversy prompted the university to expel one 500-level nursing student, identified as Mercy, and suspend 14 others.

The sanctions, however, triggered appeals from student groups and rights organisations.

The National Association of Nigerian Students called on the university to reconsider the punishment, acknowledging that the students’ conduct was inappropriate but arguing that expulsion could have lasting consequences for their academic and professional futures.

The Nigerian Universities Nursing Students’ Association also said it had begun discussions with relevant stakeholders to seek a review of the decision.

Amnesty International subsequently urged the university to reverse the sanctions, describing them as disproportionate and calling for dialogue and mediation.

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In their latest appeal addressed to the university management through the Registrar, the students said they had reflected on their actions and were genuinely remorseful.

“We sincerely regret our said actions and assure the university management and all relevant authorities that such an incident will not repeat itself again,” the letter jointly signed by the students read.

They appealed to the management to reconsider the disciplinary measures imposed on them and allow them to continue and complete their academic programmes.

“We humbly plead for leniency and mercy. We have worked hard and made several sacrifices, alongside our families, to reach this stage of our academic journey.

“We therefore appeal to the university management to kindly reconsider the various disciplinary measures meted out against us and grant us the opportunity to continue and complete our studies,” they wrote.

The students also acknowledged the management’s engagement with their parents and guardians, expressing appreciation for allowing their families to be heard.

“We do not take this gesture for granted, and we remain grateful for your understanding and consideration,” the letter added.

The appeal was collectively signed by 15 nursing students, who urged the university management to reconsider their cases and give them another opportunity to pursue their academic and professional ambitions.