DELSU: Rusticated Student Accepts Fate, Urges Others To Abide By Varsity Rules

By Othegbemeh Omokhape

Ezi Ugoma, a 200-level Biotechnology student of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, who was rusticated for four academic semesters over the recording and circulation of a video involving a dying colleague, has said she has accepted the university’s decision and learned from the incident.

The student was sanctioned by the university following an incident at the institution’s health centre where she recorded a critically ill student and later shared the video on social media, an action that attracted widespread public attention.

Speaking in an interview, Ugoma said she had gone to the health centre to seek medical attention for herself when she witnessed the incident.

“I went to treat myself, then I witnessed the incident and took a record of it and posted it,” she said.

She explained that the video was shared on social media with the intention of educating the public on what she described as the dangers of abortion, adding that she did not anticipate the level of reaction that followed.

“No, I didn’t expect it to go viral,” she said.

According to her, the video was deleted shortly after it was posted once she realised the attention it had begun to attract.

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“I deleted it immediately my attention was drawn to the post,” she added.

Ugoma said she only realised the seriousness of the matter when she was invited by the university’s disciplinary committee.

“When the school disciplinary committee called me, then I knew the gravity of what I did,” she said.

She confirmed that she was given the opportunity to explain her actions before the committee and said she answered the questions to the best of her ability.

“I answered the questions which were being thrown to me the best way I could,” she said.

Reacting to the university’s decision to rusticate her for four semesters, Ugoma said although she felt bad, she chose to respect the authority of the institution.

“I felt bad, but the school has taken their decision, so I abide by it. Rules are rules,” she said.

She added that the experience had taught her an important lesson and advised other students to be mindful of institutional regulations.

“Students should learn to study school rules and regulations so as not to make the same mistakes I did,” she said.

Ugoma further stated that she has accepted her punishment and is prepared to face the consequences of her actions.

“I will face my punishment. Rules are rules which are meant to be followed,” she added.

The university had earlier described the student’s action as gross misconduct and a violation of its code of conduct, leading to her rustication beginning from the 2025/2026 academic session.

The incident has continued to generate debate on social media ethics, privacy and the responsible use of digital platforms among students.