First Lady Remi Tinubu has addressed a viral video featuring nursing students in Delta State, in which they appeared to reject a song that referred to her as the “mother of the nation.”
The students playfully responded that she was the Master of Ceremony’s (MC) mother, not theirs or the nation’s.
In response, the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the First Lady, Busola Kukoyi, issued a statement on Friday, emphasizing that educational institutions should create an atmosphere where students feel safe to express themselves while upholding decorum.
Kukoyi clarified that the First Lady’s visit to Delta State was primarily aimed at inspiring and supporting healthcare professionals, particularly midwives, as part of the Renewed Hope Initiative.
The statement read: “The Office of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is aware of a video circulating on social media, which captures the welcome chants directed at both the First Lady of Delta State and the First Lady of Nigeria during the Renewed Hope Initiative’s donation of 10,000 Professional Kits to Midwives in the South-South zone. This event took place at the Dome Event Centre in Asaba, Delta State, on Tuesday, 25th March 2025.
“The purpose of this initiative was to encourage midwives nationwide in their crucial role in reducing infant and maternal mortality rates in Nigeria. Her Excellency sincerely appreciates the warm hospitality extended by the Delta State Government, the people of Delta State, and the enthusiasm displayed by nurses, midwives, women’s groups, and student nurses in attendance.
“A particular segment of the video, allegedly recorded by some students, captures a spontaneous and playful variation of the welcome song. We have also been informed that some students of the Delta State College of Nursing Sciences have received queries regarding their participation in the chants. While the Office of the First Lady of Nigeria acknowledges the authority of educational institutions to enforce discipline, it is essential to recognize that students, in moments of excitement, may express themselves in a lighthearted and jovial manner.
“The Office of the First Lady strongly believes that educational institutions should cultivate an environment that allows students to express themselves freely while adhering to standards of decorum. The First Lady’s visit was intended to inspire and uplift healthcare professionals, and we hope that the event will be remembered as a positive and motivating experience for all involved.
“We trust that the Delta State College of Nursing Sciences will address this matter with fairness and understanding, ensuring that students continue to thrive in an environment that strikes a balance between discipline and free expression.”
This development has sparked conversations about the intersection of respect, discipline, and freedom of expression within educational institutions, with many Nigerians weighing in on the controversy surrounding the viral video.
