Delta State University Rusticates Student for Filming Dying Colleague and Sharing Video Online

Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, has rusticated a 200-level Microbiology student, Ezi Ugoma, for four semesters after she filmed a dying fellow student at the university health center and shared the video on TikTok.

The deceased colleague was reportedly suffering complications from a suspected abortion.

According to a letter dated October 21, 2025, and signed by Principal Assistant Registrar Ughwumiakpor A, Ugoma appeared before the institution’s Students’ Disciplinary Committee (SDC) on three separate dates in August 2025 (the 21st, 22nd, and 25th) to answer to charges of gross misconduct and breach of the matriculation oath.

These allegations stemmed from the “inappropriate filming with a mobile handset” of the dying student and uploading the scene to TikTok.

The letter indicated that the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Samuel O. Asagba, approved the SDC’s recommendation to penalize Ugoma. The rustication period is set for four semesters, commencing from the 2025/2026 academic session.

Ugoma is therefore expected to be suspended from her studies and will resume in the 2027/2028 academic session. The university noted that copies of the disciplinary letter would be sent to her sponsor and relevant university authorities.