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 sanctioned after appearing before the institution’s Students’ Disciplinary Committee for allegedly recording a dying colleague at the university’s health centre and sharing the footage on TikTok.
Her expulsion was contained in an official letter dated October 21, 2025, and signed by the university’s Principal Assistant Registrar, Ughwumiakpor A., which was obtained by PUNCH Metro on Thursday.
According to the letter, the disciplinary action followed the committee’s sittings held on August 21, 22, and 25, 2025, where Ugoma was accused of breaching the university’s matriculation oath.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Samuel O. Asagba, reportedly approved the committee’s recommendation that the student be rusticated for four semesters, effective from the 2025/2026 academic session. She is expected to resume her studies in the 2027/2028 session.
The letter read in part:
“You will recall that you appeared before the Students’ Disciplinary Committee on Thursday, August 21; Friday, August 22; and Monday, August 25, 2025, to defend yourself against the following allegations:
i. Act of gross misconduct;
ii. Breach of matriculation oath arising from inappropriate filming with a mobile handset of a dying student at the University Health Centre, posted on TikTok.“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 with effect from the 2025/2026 academic session. You are to resume studies in the 2027/2028 session.”
The registrar further stated that copies of the letter were forwarded to Ugoma’s sponsor and other relevant university authorities for necessary action.
The decision has generated mixed reactions across social media. Arise TV presenter, Rufai Oseni, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), condemned the university’s action, describing it as “unjustifiable.”
In an open message addressed to the Vice-Chancellor, Oseni appealed for the reversal of the decision, arguing that the punishment was excessive.
His post read in part:
“Good morning, sir. I’m writing regarding an unjustifiable two-year suspension given to a 300-level Biotechnology student of Delta State University, Abraka, over a video she uploaded on TikTok. Please, sir, do not allow this injustice to stand, as this young lady’s future is about to be shattered.”
Oseni further alleged that the student’s stepfather had ordered her to abandon her education following the expulsion.
“Her stepfather has told her to kiss her education goodbye and return to the village. Please intervene, sir,” he wrote.
Efforts to reach the university for comments on a possible reconsideration were unsuccessful, as calls to the contact number listed on the school’s website went unanswered. Text messages sent to the same line were also not replied to as of press time.
The case has since reignited debate over disciplinary measures in Nigerian universities. While some commentators insist that institutions must enforce moral and ethical standards, others argue that harsh punishments could jeopardize students’ futures.
In a related development, National Ambassador reported in 2020 that Rivers State-owned Ignatius Ajuru University of Education recalled two students suspended over social media posts after a public outcry.
