Nigerian Nurses Forum Decries Alleged Rights Abuse of Member Breeze Nwagboso in Ogun

The Elegant Nurses Forum has denounced what it describes as ongoing harassment, intimidation, and violation of the constitutional rights of one of its members, Nurse Breeze Nwagboso, by the Ogun State Government and the state’s Ministry of Health.

In a public statement issued by Nurse Thomas Abiodun Olamide on behalf of the forum, the group alleged that Nwagboso was being pressured to cooperate with certain corrupt individuals operating within the College of Nursing Sciences. These individuals, the forum claimed, are notorious for stifling the rights and liberties of nursing students.

The forum expressed deep concern that such alleged actions contravene Section 38 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This section affirms the right of all Nigerians to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion—including the right to express and act on one’s beliefs without being forced or manipulated.

In highlighting one example of what it called a worrying level of ignorance among some staff at the institution, the forum pointed out an incident in which a hearing aid used by an individual was misinterpreted as an “earring stud.” The group described this as reflective of the poor training and exposure within parts of the healthcare education system.

The forum urged both the Ogun State Government and its Ministry of Health to immediately end all forms of pressure or coercion directed at Nurse Nwagboso and to uphold the constitutional protections to which he is entitled.

In addition, the body called for an independent and thorough investigation into the disturbing reports of corruption and deliberate suppression of student freedoms within the College of Nursing Sciences. According to the group, “The Elegant Nurses Forum is deeply troubled by the continuous targeting of Nurse Breeze Nwagboso. Section 38 of Nigeria’s Constitution clearly provides for the freedom of every citizen to practice and share their beliefs through worship, teaching, or other forms of expression. These rights must not be violated.”

The statement went on to say, “We have been contacted by Nurse Nwagboso’s legal representative, who confirmed that he is being compelled to align with corrupt forces within the nursing college. These forces are believed to be engaged in curbing students’ voices and restricting their freedoms. This situation constitutes a gross infringement of his rights.”

The group also lamented the perceived incompetence within the academic environment, particularly referencing the misidentification of a hearing device. “It’s shocking that some educators within the system cannot distinguish between a medical hearing aid and an accessory. This level of unawareness is unacceptable in any health-related institution,” the forum stated.

They further stressed the relevance of Section 38 (2) of the Constitution, which stipulates that no student shall be forced to take part in religious instruction or observance that does not align with their beliefs or that of their parents or guardians. The forum believes this provision underlines the core issue at hand.

“We implore the Ogun State Government and Ministry of Health to respect and protect the constitutional rights of Nurse Nwagboso,” the statement continued. “We also insist on a full inquiry into the corruption and student rights violations reportedly taking place at the College of Nursing Sciences.”

The forum concluded by affirming its support for Nurse Nwagboso. “We are standing firmly with him,” they said. “Together with his legal counsel, we are prepared to pursue legal action to defend his dignity and freedom. No one deserves to be humiliated, harassed, or intimidated for standing up for their rights.”

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