The Office of the First Lady has urged fairness in handling the queries issued to students of the Delta State College of Nursing Sciences following their participation in the viral “Na Your Mama” chant during the First Lady’s visit to Delta State.
A viral video captured students chanting excitedly as the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, donated 10,000 professional kits to midwives in the South-South zone at the Dome Event Centre, Asaba, on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. However, reports surfaced that some students faced disciplinary action for altering the welcome song, leading to public outcry.
First Lady Acknowledges Warm Reception
In a statement issued on Friday by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady appreciated the warm reception from the Delta State Government, healthcare professionals, and student nurses. However, she also addressed concerns over the disciplinary measures taken against some students over the “Na Your Mama” chant.
Kukoyi noted that students often express themselves in moments of excitement and emphasized the importance of balancing discipline with freedom of expression in academic institutions.
The ‘Na Your Mama’ Chant and Student Punishment
The viral video showed an MC leading students in a chant referring to the First Lady as “our mama.” In response, some students countered with “Na Your Mama Be This,” implying they had their own mothers at home. This response, though seemingly harmless, reportedly led to disciplinary actions by the school administration.
Many Nigerians have since questioned why students should be punished for affirming that they have their own mothers. Critics argue that the real issue stemmed from the MC’s statement, not the students’ response.
First Lady Calls for Fairness in ‘Na Your Mama’ Debate
While acknowledging the right of institutions to maintain discipline, Kukoyi urged the school to handle the situation with fairness. “Educational institutions should foster an environment where students feel safe to express themselves while maintaining decorum,” she stated.
She further stressed that the First Lady’s visit was meant to encourage healthcare professionals and should remain a positive experience for all involved.
Public Outcry Over ‘Na Your Mama’ Punishment
The issue has sparked widespread debate, with many criticizing the disciplinary measures. “The students are not wrong; the fault lies with the MC. What does he mean by ‘Na Our Mama Be This Oh, We No Get Another One’? So the mothers of these students at home are what? The students simply spoke the truth,” one commentator noted.
As the controversy unfolds, Nigerians are watching to see if the Delta State College of Nursing Sciences will reconsider its actions in light of the First Lady’s call for fairness in the “Na Your Mama” saga.
