Nigeria’s First Lady, Remi Tinubu, has addressed the controversy surrounding a viral video showing nursing students in Delta State altering a welcome song during her recent visit.
During her appearance at the Renewed Hope Initiative’s donation event in Asaba, students of the Delta State College of Nursing Sciences reacted unexpectedly to a chant introduced by the Master of Ceremony, which referred to Tinubu as “the mother of the nation.” Some students countered that she was the MC’s mother, not theirs.
In response, Busola Kukoyi, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the First Lady, released a statement emphasizing the importance of balancing discipline with freedom of expression in educational institutions. She highlighted that the visit was meant to inspire healthcare professionals and that the students’ reaction appeared to be a spontaneous, playful expression rather than an act of defiance.
The statement acknowledged reports that some students had been issued queries over their involvement in the chants. While respecting institutions’ right to maintain discipline, the First Lady’s office urged school authorities to handle the situation with fairness, ensuring a supportive environment for students.
Tinubu expressed gratitude for the warm reception from the Delta State Government, healthcare workers, and attendees, reiterating her commitment to addressing maternal and infant mortality in Nigeria.
