DELSU EXPELS STUDENT FOR FILMING DYING COLLEAGUE

DELSU EXPELS STUDENT FOR FILMING DYING COLLEAGUE

The management of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, has expelled a 200-level student of the Department of Microbiology, Ezi Ugoma, for four semesters over alleged gross misconduct.

Ugoma was accused of filming a dying colleague at the university’s health centre and sharing the footage on TikTok, an act the institution described as a breach of the matriculation oath and an affront to decency.

According to an official letter dated October 21, 2025, and signed by the Principal Assistant Registrar, Ughwumiakpor A., the disciplinary measure followed sittings of the Students’ Disciplinary Committee held on August 21, 22, and 25, 2025. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Samuel O. Asagba, subsequently approved the committee’s recommendation that the student be rusticated for four semesters, effective from the 2025/2026 academic session.

The letter stated that Ugoma would only be allowed to resume her studies in the 2027/2028 academic session. It also noted that copies of the decision had been forwarded to her sponsor and relevant authorities within the institution for necessary action.

Part of the letter read, “After due consideration of the committee’s report, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Samuel O. Asagba, has approved the recommendation that you be rusticated for four semesters for an act of gross misconduct involving inappropriate filming at the University Health Centre.”

Reacting to the development, Arise TV presenter, Rufai Oseni, took to X (formerly Twitter) to condemn the sanction, describing it as unjustifiable. Oseni, who claimed to have contacted the Vice-Chancellor through social media, appealed for the decision to be reviewed, arguing that the punishment could ruin the student’s future.

He wrote, “Please, sir, do not allow this injustice to stand, as this young lady’s future is about to be shattered and cut short.” He further alleged that Ugoma’s stepfather had threatened to end her education following the university’s decision.

Efforts to obtain the institution’s official reaction were unsuccessful, as calls to the contact number on the university’s website did not go through, and text messages had yet to receive a response as of press time.

The case has since stirred nationwide debate over the extent of disciplinary measures in Nigerian universities. While some argue that moral discipline must be upheld within campuses, others believe that excessive punishment could derail the lives and aspirations of students.

A similar case was reported in 2020 when Rivers State-owned Ignatius Ajuru University of Education reinstated two students suspended for social media posts after public criticism of the university’s action.