A wave of shock and outrage has swept through Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, following the expulsion of a 300-level student, Ezi Ugoma, who was found guilty of filming a dying colleague at the university’s health centre and posting the distressing footage on TikTok.
The incident, which has sparked widespread condemnation from both students and the public, was described by the university as an act of “gross misconduct” and a grave breach of the institution’s matriculation oath.
According to a disciplinary letter dated October 21, 2025, and signed by Principal Assistant Registrar, Ughwumiakpor A., the Students’ Disciplinary Committee (SDC) found Ugoma culpable after several sittings held between August 21 and 25, 2025.
“You will recall that you appeared before the Students’ Disciplinary Committee held 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, which was posted on TikTok,” the letter read in part.
Following deliberations, the committee recommended a four-semester rustication, which was approved by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Samuel O. Asagba, with effect from the 2025/2026 academic session.
“After due consideration of the committee’s report, the Vice-Chancellor has approved the recommendation that you be rusticated for four (4) semesters for the offence of assault, with effect from the 2025/2026 academic session. Accordingly, you are hereby rusticated for four semesters and are to resume studies in the 2027/2028 academic session,” the letter stated.
Copies of the disciplinary decision were also forwarded to Ugoma’s sponsor and other relevant university authorities.
However, the university’s decision has ignited heated debate on social media, with many questioning the fairness of the punishment, while others have applauded the school’s stance as a necessary deterrent against moral decay and digital insensitivity.
Prominent broadcaster Rufai Oseni of ARISE News publicly condemned the expulsion, describing it as “unjustifiable.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Oseni pleaded with the Vice-Chancellor to reconsider the sanction, arguing that the video’s intent had been misunderstood.
“Good morning, sir. How is work and family? I trust all is well. I’m writing to you this morning regarding an unjustifiable two-year suspension given to a 300-level Biotechnology student from Delta State University, Abraka, over a video she uploaded on TikTok warning girls against abortion, as clearly stated in her caption,” Oseni wrote.
“Attached to this email are the video and the suspension letter. I have already sent them to you on Instagram, but you have yet to respond. Please, sir, do not allow this injustice to stand, as this young lady’s future is about to be shattered.”
The journalist further alleged that Ugoma’s stepfather had reacted harshly to the incident, ordering her to abandon her education and return to the village.
“In addition to the pandemonium, her stepfather has told her to kiss her education goodbye and prepare to return to the village. Please, sir, intervene. We need your help,” Oseni added.
Efforts to obtain DELSU’s response to the mounting criticism were unsuccessful, as calls to the phone number listed on the university’s website went unanswered, and a text message sent to the same number had not received a reply as of press time.
The disturbing case has reignited public discourse about morality, digital responsibility, and disciplinary ethics in Nigerian universities. While some argue that DELSU’s decision was a justified response to a heartless act, others believe the punishment could permanently derail a young woman’s future.
As the debate rages, one thing remains clear — the viral TikTok video has not only shattered a student’s academic journey but also raised uncomfortable questions about empathy and the limits of social media in moments of tragedy.
