THE CAMPAIGN for Democratic and Workers’ Rights (CDWR) has condemned what it described as growing attacks on the democratic rights and freedom of expression of students and activists in Enugu State, allegedly involving the management of Ezzy International College of Nursing Science, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police.
In a statement dated May 20, 2026, the organisation accused the school authorities and security agencies of intimidation, repression, and victimisation of students who spoke out over conditions in public healthcare facilities and criticised the school’s actions.
According to the statement signed by CDWR National Publicity Secretary, Chinedu Bosah, the controversy began after a student nurse, Joy Ezeugwu, allegedly exposed poor conditions at Uwani General Hospital in Enugu State through a public video.
The organisation claimed that the hospital lacked electricity, adequate water supply, and essential medical facilities despite attending to critically ill patients, including pregnant women and nursing mothers.
CDWR said the video generated public outrage over the condition of healthcare facilities in the state, but alleged that instead of addressing the concerns raised, authorities pressured the student nurse to remove the video and subjected her to intimidation.
The group further alleged that the student eventually discontinued her training following sustained harassment.
The statement also detailed the case of another student, Mrs. Ifeoma Nwaogaranya, who was reportedly sanctioned after expressing support for Ezeugwu on the school’s internal WhatsApp platform.
According to CDWR, Nwaogaranya had stated that the student nurse “did nothing wrong” by speaking out on the state of the hospital.
The organisation alleged that the school management subsequently ordered her to appear before the administration with her parents, despite being an adult, married woman, and mother.
CDWR claimed that when Nwaogaranya appeared before the school authorities on April 13 alongside her husband, neither of them was allowed to defend themselves before they were allegedly ordered out of the premises.
The organisation alleged that no formal disciplinary process was followed, no written query was issued, and no fair hearing was granted before she was verbally expelled and excluded from academic activities and examinations.
The group also claimed that despite requesting a refund of her fees after her alleged expulsion, the school management had yet to comply.
CDWR further accused security agencies of attempting to intimidate Nwaogaranya and youth activist Francis Nwapa over public advocacy related to the matter.
According to the statement, armed police officers from the Agbani State Criminal Investigation Department reportedly visited Nwaogaranya’s residence on May 4.
The organisation also alleged that a DSS official identified as Mr. Charles, said to be an Assistant Director of Operations at DSS Parklane, Enugu State, contacted Nwaogaranya and invited her for questioning regarding criticisms of the school administration.
CDWR said Nwapa, identified as National Secretary of the Youth Rights Campaign, was similarly contacted by the DSS over the group’s intervention in the case.
The organisation described the actions as “blatant harassment, intimidation, and abuse of security institutions to silence dissenting voices and democratic advocacy.”
It argued that security agencies should focus on tackling insecurity, kidnappings, violent crimes, and attacks across the country rather than targeting students and activists.
CDWR called for the immediate withdrawal of all invitations issued by the DSS and police to Nwaogaranya, her husband, and Nwapa.
The group also demanded the reinstatement of Nwaogaranya to the nursing college, an end to what it termed administrative authoritarianism within the institution, and respect for the constitutional rights of students and activists.
The organisation urged civil society groups, trade unions, student bodies, and human rights organisations to speak out against what it described as attacks on democratic rights.
