The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has strongly condemned the alleged intimidation, victimisation, and involvement of security agencies in a growing dispute at the Ezzy International College of Nursing Science in Enugu State.
The controversy began after a student nurse, attached to Uwani General Hospital, raised concerns about the condition and functionality of the hospital during her training exercise. In response, the school management reportedly slapped her with an indefinite suspension. Allegations have also emerged that another student was verbally expelled simply for expressing an opinion on the matter within an internal student platform.
Expressing deep concern over the development, RULAAC Executive Director Okechukwu Nwanguma warned that suppressing the voices of students undermines the core values of higher education.
“Educational institutions should be spaces that encourage critical thinking, accountability, and constructive engagement,” Nwanguma said. “They should not be environments where students fear punishment for expressing concerns or opinions on matters affecting public welfare and institutional governance.”
The situation has escalated beyond the campus walls. Activists associated with the Youth Rights Campaign (YRC), including prominent activist Francis Nwapa, have allegedly been invited for questioning by the Department of State Services (DSS) following their advocacy and solidarity actions in support of the affected students.
RULAAC has raised the alarm over this development, stating that using state security apparatus to handle administrative or civil grievances sets a dangerous precedent.
“RULAAC is concerned that the involvement of security agencies in matters relating to peaceful expression, student welfare, criticism of institutional practices, and civic advocacy risks creating a chilling effect on freedom of expression and democratic engagement,” Nwanguma stated.
While acknowledging that academic institutions have a legitimate right to maintain discipline and order on their campuses, the rights group emphasised that such disciplinary processes must strictly comply with principles of fairness, transparency, proportionality, and respect for constitutional rights.
“The use or perceived use of security agencies to suppress criticism or intimidate civic actors undermines democratic norms and raises serious human rights concerns,” Nwanguma added.
In light of the crisis, the advocacy centre is demanding an immediate, independent, and transparent review of the disciplinary actions taken against the affected student nurses. The group is also urging security agencies to exercise maximum restraint and avoid meddling in civil or administrative disputes in ways that could be perceived as intimidation or harassment.
RULAAC called on the management of Ezzy International College of Nursing Science to de-escalate the situation and choose collaboration over coercion, urging them to engage in constructive dialogue with students and relevant stakeholders to resolve the issues peacefully and fairly.
“Nigeria’s democracy is strengthened, not weakened, when institutions tolerate criticism, encourage accountability, and protect civic freedoms,” Nwanguma said, reiterating that the rights of students, activists, and ordinary citizens to freedom of expression and peaceful advocacy remain fully guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
