Comrade Okechukwu Nwanguma, Executive Director, RULAAC
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has raised the alarm concerning purported reports of intimidation and victimization of nursing students and activists linked to criticism of Ezzy International College of Nursing Science, Enugu.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Executive Director of RULAAC, Comrade Okechukwu Nwanguma, alleged that a student nurse attached to Uwani General Hospital for training was said to have been placed on indefinite suspension after raising concerns about the hospital’s condition and functionality.
RULAAC also cited allegations that “another student was verbally expelled for expressing an opinion” on the matter in an internal student platform. The advocacy group said it was further troubled by reports that activists from the Youth Rights Campaign (YRC), including Francis Nwapa, had been invited by the Department of State Services (DSS) following their advocacy and solidarity actions for the affected students.
RULAAC warned that involving security agencies in disputes over peaceful expression, student welfare, and criticism of institutional practices risks creating a chilling effect on freedom of expression and civic engagement. Nwanguma said: “Educational institutions should be spaces that encourage critical thinking, accountability, and constructive engagement — not environments where students fear punishment for expressing concerns.”
While acknowledging that institutions have the right to maintain discipline, RULAAC said disciplinary processes must comply with principles of fairness, transparency, proportionality, and respect for constitutional rights. It added that the use or perceived use of security agencies to suppress criticism undermines democratic norms and raises human rights concerns.
RULAAC advocated for an independent and transparent review of the disciplinary actions against the students, respect for constitutional rights to freedom of expression and peaceful advocacy, and restraint by security agencies in civil or administrative disputes. It also urged constructive dialogue between the school management, students, and stakeholders to resolve the issues peacefully.
The group stated: “Nigeria’s democracy is strengthened — not weakened — when institutions tolerate criticism, encourage accountability, and protect civic freedoms.”
