In a developing controversy that has sent ripples through Nigeria’s nursing education community, a lecturer at the Ogun State College of Nursing Sciences, Ilaro, has accused the institution and the state Ministry of Health of religious discrimination, victimisation, and abuse of authority.
Breeze Imrahn Nwagboso, a nurse tutor at the college, is currently facing disciplinary actions over allegations of “indecent dressing” and “unauthorised disclosure of information”. According to Sahara Reporters, the institution issued a formal query on June 13, 2025, citing that Nwagboso wore earrings to class and permitted the video recording of lectures during official hours. The letter reportedly warned that his actions breached the Public Service Rules and could lead to summary dismissal.
In his detailed rebuttal, Nwagboso refuted all claims, insisting that the accusations were part of a coordinated campaign to punish him for defending students who had allegedly been mistreated by college authorities. He further claimed that the query was discriminatory, targeting him for his religious beliefs.
“That I have never dressed in an indecent manner, not even for once, in my bid to discharge my official duty,” his letter stated. He clarified that the adornment in question—a shield—was a religious symbol integral to his spiritual identity. “They are frustrating my life just because I am not a Christian or a Muslim. And I am a Nigerian. What I am wearing is in line with my spiritual beliefs.”
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Nwagboso also emphasised that students, not he, had recorded lectures for revision purposes, describing it as a learning aid. He further alleged that his current ordeal was linked to his refusal to participate in “institutional irregularities” and his vocal stance against the victimisation of students.
In a more alarming revelation, a former student recounted a past incident involving a student nurse who reportedly attempted suicide due to similar mistreatment by the college authorities. According to Sahara Reporters, the student was rushed to a state hospital in Ilaro and survived after receiving emergency care.
Nwagboso has now announced plans to file a fundamental human rights lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Abeokuta. The suit will reportedly name several key actors and institutions, including the College Director of Nursing School, Provost Sodimu Jeminat, the Ogun State Ministry of Health, and the Government of Ogun State. He seeks redress for violations of human dignity, fair hearing, freedom of religion, and discrimination.
Responding to the allegations, Provost Sodimu denied all claims of victimisation. “These claims of victimisation of students are lies and totally untrue,” she told Sahara Reporters. “As for the staff member mentioned, I don’t have anything to say. I did not employ him and I was not the one who issued him a query. It was the Ministry of Health.”
Another staff member, Comrade Ayinde, described the situation as a personal issue between the lecturer and the ministry, stating, “There is no case of victimisation in this school. The issue involving the staff and the ministry is a personal issue.”
Efforts to obtain comments from the Ogun State Ministry of Health were unsuccessful at the time of reporting. Multiple attempts to reach the Permanent Secretary, Mashood Kayode, were unanswered.
This case raises critical questions about religious tolerance, academic freedom, and students’ rights within Nigeria’s healthcare education system. The outcome of Nwagboso’s planned legal action may set a significant precedent in how such disputes are handled in the future.
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