Nigerian Nursing Forum Slams Ekiti College Over Harsh Reinstatement Terms for Vincent Seluwa

The Elegant Nurses Forum has issued a strong condemnation of the terms laid out by the Ekiti State Government and the Ekiti State College of Nursing Sciences for the possible reinstatement of Seluwa Oluwaseun Vincent, the student nurse expelled for protesting a steep hostel fee hike.

Vincent, a 300-level nursing student at EKSUTH, was indefinitely suspended in January 2025 after protesting an increase in hostel accommodation fees from ₦100,000 to ₦280,000. His expulsion was formalized in April through a letter signed by the Acting Registrar. In his defense, Vincent alleged he was being targeted for challenging the fee hike and accused school authorities, particularly the Student Affairs Officer (SAO), of defamation — including being labeled “mad” and a “psychiatric patient.”

In response to recent developments suggesting terms for his reinstatement were set without his presence, the Elegant Nurses Forum issued a sharply worded statement on Wednesday, describing the terms as “egregious and draconian.”

Key Points from the Forum’s Statement:

• Unfair Process: The group criticized the exclusion of Vincent from the meeting between the state government, school management, and NANS zonal leaders where the conditions were reportedly set.

• Condoning Abuse: It accused the state of validating suppression and protecting school officials involved in the alleged mistreatment.

• Criminalizing Protest: The Forum rejected the idea that protesting poor infrastructure and unaffordable fees should be met with punitive action.

• NANS’ Role Questioned: Disappointment was directed at NANS leadership, whom the Forum accused of complicity in the student’s initial suspension.

Their Demands Include:

• Unconditional reinstatement of Seluwa Vincent

• Immediate protection from further abuse or threats

• Compensation for psychological and reputational damage

• Right to sit for examinations with his peers

• Reduction in hostel accommodation fees

• Improvement of living conditions in hostels

• Reconstitution of the Students’ Union Government (SUG)

• Cessation of all forms of intimidation and harassment

The Elegant Nurses Forum has also called on civil society, human rights groups, student unions, and the international community to speak out and support the cause, affirming their commitment to defending students’ rights and fighting against institutional injustice.

This case has become a symbol of broader frustrations among students over rising costs in tertiary institutions and the shrinking space for student activism in Nigeria.