The e-RIGHTS project partners — Avocats Sans Frontières France (Lawyers Without Borders France), the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), and Spaces for Change (S4C) have expressed concern over a recent development at the Delta State School of Nursing Sciences.
The Executive Director, of CITAD, Dr. Y.Z Ya’u, said that the institution has reportedly issued a query and threatened disciplinary action against Nurse Osato Edobor for posting a video on her TikTok page showing students singing about the First Lady of Nigeria.
He added: “The letter, signed by the school’s Provost, Mrs Evbodaghe Rita Ogonne, has raised concerns about potential restrictions and threats on freedom of expression and digital rights.
“We unequivocally urge the institution to refrain from taking punitive measures against Nurse Osato Edobor, as such actions would undermine the fundamental digital rights and freedom of expression.
“Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of expression, a principle further upheld by international frameworks such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) 1945 and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR). In today’s digital age, young people should not face reprisals for lawful online expression.”
Ya’u explained that in today’s digital age, social media serves as a vital platform for expression, engagement, and the exchange of ideas.
“It empowers individuals, including students, to participate in national conversations, share their perspectives, and hold leaders accountable. Any attempt to penalize lawful online expression sets a dangerous precedent, undermining fundamental digital rights and freedom of speech as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights frameworks. Such measures risk fostering an atmosphere of fear and censorship, reminiscent of authoritarian tendencies that stifle democratic growth,” said Ya’u.
He argued that rather than discouraging students from engaging online, educational institutions should embrace digital literacy and encourage responsible use of digital platforms.
He added: “We call on the school authorities to reconsider their approach and uphold an environment where students can express themselves freely and responsibly.”
In a closed-door media briefing on the incident, the Country Director of Avocats Sans Frontieres France in Nigeria, Mrs. Angela Uwandu Uzoma Iwuchukwu said, “We urge the Delta State School of Nursing Sciences to adopt a more progressive stance on digital rights and freedom of expression and foster an environment that respects the digital rights of Nurse Osato and all other students in the digital age.”
The Enhancing Digital Rights in Nigeria (e-RIGHTS) project is aimed at enhancing digital rights in Nigeria and is being implemented by Avocats Sans Frontières France in partnership with CITAD and S4C with support from the European Union and UNESCO’s Global Media Defence Fund.
