Delta University Expels Student for Filming Dying Colleague

The management of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, has expelled a 200-level student of the Department of Microbiology, Ezi Ugoma, for alleged gross misconduct after she reportedly filmed a dying colleague at the university’s health centre and shared the video on TikTok.

According to an official letter dated October 21, 2025, and signed by the institution’s Principal Assistant Registrar, Ughwumiakpor A., the student’s action constituted a breach of the university’s matriculation oath. The decision followed three sittings of the Students’ Disciplinary Committee held between August 21 and 25, 2025.

The committee found Ugoma guilty of “inappropriate filming with a mobile handset at the scene of a dying student,” which was subsequently posted on social media. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Samuel O. Asagba, thereafter approved her rustication for four semesters, effective from the 2025/2026 academic session. She is expected to resume her studies in the 2027/2028 session.

The letter partly read:
“After due consideration of the committee’s report, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Samuel O. Asagba, has approved the recommendation that you be rusticated for four semesters with effect from the 2025/2026 academic session. You are to resume studies with effect from the 2027/2028 academic session.”

The letter also noted that copies of the disciplinary decision had been forwarded to Ugoma’s sponsor and other relevant authorities for further action.

The decision has, however, drawn sharp criticism from the public and some media personalities, including Arise TV presenter, Rufai Oseni, who described the punishment as “unjustifiable.”

In a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Oseni appealed to the Vice-Chancellor to reconsider the decision, arguing that the student’s video was not intended to mock or exploit the incident.

He wrote:
“Good morning, sir. I’m writing to you this morning regarding an unjustifiable two-year suspension that was given to a 300-level Biotechnology student from Delta State University,

Abraka, over a video she uploaded on her TikTok account about girls not getting involved in abortions, as clearly stated in her caption. Please, sir, do not allow this injustice to stand, as this young lady’s future is about to be shattered.”

Oseni further alleged that the student’s stepfather had threatened to end her education following the expulsion.
“Her stepfather had vehemently told her to kiss her education goodbye forever and prepare to go back to the village,” he added.

Efforts by reporters to reach the university for a response were unsuccessful, as the contact number on the institution’s website was unreachable, and a text message sent to the same number had not been replied to as of press time.