Fresh controversy has engulfed the College of Nursing Sciences, Agbor, Delta State, as no fewer than 54 nursing graduates have been denied enrollment for the upcoming Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) qualifying examination under what affected parties describe as “arbitrary and punitive conditions.”
Among those affected is a student previously queried over a viral video involving Nigeria’s First Lady, Remi Tinubu, further fuelling suspicions of victimisation and targeted punishment within the institution.
Multiple lecturers and parents, who spoke to SaharaReporters on condition of anonymity, accused the school management of imposing an “unofficial and unjustified” requirement mandating students to retake a pre-council examination despite having previously passed it.
“We are appealing for urgent intervention because what is happening is not in line with the official guidelines of the Nursing and Midwifery Council,” one lecturer said.
“To the best of our knowledge, the Council’s requirement is primarily based on at least 80 percent attendance and successful completion of training. Forcing these students to retake an exam they have already passed raises serious ethical and procedural concerns.”
Parents of the affected students also expressed deep frustration, describing the situation as emotionally draining and financially crippling.
“Our children have already taken this pre-council examination while in school. Suddenly, they are being told to take it again before they can be registered for council exams. This is not only unfair but also traumatic,” a parent lamented.
According to sources, while a handful of students reportedly complied with the directive out of fear, the majority resisted, insisting that their earlier results should remain valid.
This resistance, insiders claim, may have triggered the school’s decision to exclude them from the enrollment process.
“The provost has already registered other students and left out these 54,” another lecturer disclosed.
“There is a growing perception that this is more about punishment than policy. Some students have attempted this exam multiple times; second, third, even fifth attempts. Delaying them again could destroy their morale and careers.”
Efforts by the students and their families to resolve the matter internally have reportedly failed. SaharaReporters learnt that visits to the school authorities and appeals made in Asaba yielded no positive outcome.
Parents warned that if urgent intervention is not made before the council portal closes within the week, the affected students may be forced to wait until the next examination cycle in November, an outcome they described as “devastating.”
“This is about their future,” another parent said. “Many of us can no longer afford repeated fees and expenses. We are begging the authorities and the Council to step in and save these students from further hardship.”
Sources further alleged that the provost had insisted that “nothing can be done” to reverse the decision, a stance that has heightened tensions within the school community.
When SaharaReporters contacted the College Provost, Mrs Evbodaghe Rita Ogonne, she said, “The decision is from the council and it is because they did not have the attendance.”
“And if you need any further information on this, call the state PRO. This is a state government school. Thank you,” she added.
The controversy echoes an earlier episode that brought the school into the national spotlight. In March 2025, students of the Delta State School of Nursing went viral after a video surfaced showing them chanting a song that rejected First Lady Oluremi Tinubu as “our mother.”
The incident occurred during activities linked to her pet project, the Renewed Hope Initiative, which had brought the First Lady to Delta State on an official visit.
At the event, Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, had praised the administration’s efforts in the health sector, asserting that Nigeria was witnessing significant transformation. He also commended the First Lady’s commitment to improving the welfare of ordinary Nigerians, citing the visible impact of the Renewed Hope Initiative since its launch in 2023.
As part of the programme, professional kits were distributed by the First Lady to the wives of South-South governors, who serve as state coordinators of the initiative across the region.
Upon her arrival, the First Lady paid a visit to the Traditional Rulers’ Council Chambers of Delta State, where all the rulers were holding their monthly meeting, chaired by the Orodje of Okpe, retired Major General Felix Mujak Peruo.
However, a part of the event that generated reactions on social media was a video showing the students of the Delta State School of Nursing receiving the First Lady.
The Master of Ceremony had called Oluremi “everyone’s mother,” in apparent reference to her “being the mother of the nation.”
The students, however, rejected this title.
While the Master of Ceremony said, “Na our mama be this” (translated as “this is our mother”), the students responded, “Na your mama be this” (translated as “this is your mother”).
One of the affected students, Osato Edobor, had earlier gone viral in March 2025 after appearing in the video alongside fellow students chanting “Na your mama be this,” in response to the MC who referred to Oluremi as “our mother” during her visit to the state.
Edobor was also previously questioned for allegedly recording and sharing “an unauthorised” video during Oluremi’s visit.
Osato also reportedly failed her final examination under controversial circumstances in May 2025.
Sources familiar with the situation told SaharaReporters that the development appeared to be a politically motivated act of victimisation.
According to sources, Edobor had maintained an excellent academic record prior to the incident and was regarded as one of the top-performing students in her class, making her sudden failure suspicious.
Following the viral video, the school management issued her a disciplinary query, accusing her of engaging in a “malicious act” by recording and posting the clip on social media.
The Provost, Mrs Ogonne, argued that Edobor’s actions violated institutional ethics and tarnished the school’s reputation, particularly as she appeared in uniform.
However, the Delta State Government later intervened and directed that the query be withdrawn, stating that no student should be victimised over the incident.
