The management of Delta State University, Abraka (DELSU) has suspended a 200-level Biotechnology student, Ezi Ugoma, for recording and posting a video of a dying student on TikTok. The incident reportedly involved a student who was believed to be in distress after an alleged abortion.

According to an official letter issued by the school, Ugoma was found guilty of breaching university rules by filming a sensitive medical situation at the institution’s health centre and uploading it online. The Students’ Disciplinary Committee described her actions as gross misconduct and a violation of her matriculation oath. Based on the committee’s findings, she has been rusticated for four semesters, meaning she will stay away from school from the 2025/2026 session and return in 2027/2028.

The decision has sparked reactions. Reports claim Ugoma’s stepfather reacted harshly after learning of the suspension, allegedly telling her to forget about school and prepare to move back to their village. This has raised concerns about her emotional and financial support during the suspension period.

Meanwhile, journalist Oseni Rufai publicly appealed to the university to reconsider the punishment. In a message shared on his X platform, Rufai urged the Vice-Chancellor to show compassion, stressing that the young woman’s future should not be destroyed over the incident. He argued that although her actions were inappropriate, the punishment was too severe and could ruin her life prospects.

The case has sparked public debate, with some Nigerians supporting the university’s decision to enforce discipline and protect student privacy, while others believe a warning or shorter suspension would have been more appropriate. As of now, DELSU has not responded to the appeal for leniency, and Ugoma remains suspended pending resumption in 2027.