Amnesty Condemns Madonna University Sanctions Over Viral TikTok Video

Amnesty International has urged Madonna University, Elele Campus, Rivers State, to reverse sanctions imposed on students over a viral TikTok video.

The rights organisation made the call after the university expelled a final-year nursing student and suspended 14 other 500-level students in connection with the video.

Amnesty described the punishments as disproportionate, warning that the measures could disrupt the affected students’ academic progress and undermine their rights.

“By harshly punishing the students for ‘dancing’ the absurd meets the unjust,” the organisation said.

It urged the university authorities to pursue dialogue and mediation instead of imposing what it described as heavy-handed academic or disciplinary sanctions.

“Imposing heavy-handed academic or disciplinary sanctions would terminate the academic progress of the affected students,” Amnesty said.

The organisation also said the students have rights to freedom of expression, academic freedom and education, adding that the sanctions could create a chilling effect on the exercise of those rights.

“The expulsion and suspension are harsh and would create a chilling effect on the enjoyment of these rights,” it said.

Amnesty called on Madonna University to ensure that its policies and disciplinary procedures conform with international human rights standards.

It also urged the university to uphold the rights of all members of its community, particularly freedom of expression, education and academic freedom.