NANS Begs Madonna University Over Expelled Nursing Students

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has appealed to the management of Madonna University to reconsider the expulsion of some nursing students over their involvement in a viral social media video recorded within a hospital environment.

In a statement signed by the NANS President, Dist. Comr. Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, GCNS, the students’ conduct was described as inappropriate and incompatible with the ethical obligations, discipline and professional standards expected of nursing students.

While acknowledging the gravity of the misconduct, the students’ body urged the university management to temper justice with mercy by substituting the expulsion with a stern warning.

“No doubt, such conduct is grossly inappropriate and does not align with the ethics, discipline and professional standards expected of students of Nursing. However, we humbly appeal to the Management of Madonna University, a reputable institution with a long-standing commitment to academic excellence and character formation, to temper justice with mercy and reconsider the severity of the punishment imposed on these students,” the statement said.

NANS argued that expulsion constituted an exceptionally severe sanction which could have profound and enduring consequences for the affected students, particularly at a critical stage of their professional training.

“Expulsion is, by far, a grave punishment. Beyond the immediate academic consequences, it can fundamentally alter the course of a young person’s life,” the association said.

“These students have invested years of their lives, resources and hopes in pursuing a professional career in Nursing. An expulsion at this stage could have a lasting toll on their academics, their future careers and their mental and emotional wellbeing,” it added.

The association therefore urged the university to allow the students to confront the consequences of their actions through a disciplinary measure that would correct their conduct without bringing their academic pursuits to an abrupt end.

“We therefore respectfully urge the Management to consider clemency and give these students another chance. Rather than expulsion, we appeal that the students be issued a stern letter of warning,” NANS said.

The students’ body further maintained that the affected students had come to terms with the seriousness of their actions and expressed regret over the incident.

“We are certain that these students now understand the gravity of what they have done and already regret their action of gross misconduct. They have all taken responsibility and have already learnt their lessons the hard way,” it said.

NANS consequently appealed to the university management to weigh the long-term implications of the disciplinary decision before arriving at a final position on the matter.

“Therefore, we appeal to the compassion and clemency of the Management of Madonna University to please save their future and give them a second chance,” the statement said.

The association added, “The greatest form of discipline is not to end their journey, but to correct them, guide them and give them the opportunity to rise from their mistake.”

NANS stressed that the affected students remained young Nigerians with personal aspirations and families whose hopes were invested in their education and eventual professional careers.

“These are young Nigerians with dreams, families and futures ahead of them. This must not be the point at which their dreams come to an end,” the association said.

Reiterating its position, NANS urged the university management to replace the expulsion with a stern letter of warning, rather than impose a sanction it described as potentially devastating to the students’ academic and professional prospects.

“We respectfully appeal to the University Management to reconsider the decision and replace expulsion with a stern letter of warning,” it said.

The association expressed confidence that the university would give due consideration to its appeal, while reaffirming its opposition to misconduct and its commitment to promoting discipline, ethical conduct and responsible behaviour among Nigerian students.

“We strongly oppose moral decadence and remain committed to promoting responsible conduct among students,” NANS said.

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