Ondo Govt Sanctions 17 Students, Withholds WAEC Results Over Viral Sign-Out Video

The Ondo State Government has imposed disciplinary measures on 17 students drawn from three public secondary schools after a controversial sign-out celebration video recorded following the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) sparked outrage online.

The affected students are from Oyemekun Grammar School, Akure; Aquinas College, Akure; and CAC Grammar School. Authorities accused them of engaging in acts of misconduct during festivities organised to mark the completion of their secondary school examinations.

The disciplinary action followed the circulation of a viral video on social media showing students tearing their school uniforms, chanting controversial slogans, and participating in activities deemed inappropriate by education authorities.

In response to the incident, the Ondo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology convened an emergency meeting with the management teams of the affected schools at the ministry’s headquarters in Akure to review the matter and determine appropriate sanctions.

Following deliberations, the ministry announced that the students involved would face severe consequences. Among the penalties imposed is the indefinite withholding of their official school testimonials and WASSCE results.

In addition, the names of the affected students have been entered into a newly created misconduct register, popularly referred to as a “black book,” in their respective schools. The government explained that the record would serve as a reference for future disciplinary matters and help strengthen accountability among students.

The ministry also directed all principals of public secondary schools across the state to establish similar misconduct registers for documenting cases of student indiscipline.

The disciplinary measures were not limited to students alone. Some senior officials of the affected schools were queried by the government for what it described as inadequate supervision and failure to prevent the celebrations from degenerating into disorderly conduct.

Furthermore, authorities ordered the immediate expulsion of any student who appeared in the viral footage but was not a member of the graduating class, stressing that unauthorised participation in the event would not be tolerated.

Speaking after the disciplinary session, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, emphasized that the state government remains committed to maintaining discipline and preserving the integrity of educational institutions across Ondo State.

According to him, while graduating students are entitled to celebrate the completion of their examinations, such celebrations must be conducted within acceptable limits and should not undermine the values of discipline, respect, and responsibility that schools are expected to uphold.

Ajibefun expressed concern over the increasing popularity of the sign-out culture among secondary school students, warning that it should not become a platform for misconduct or a means of seeking attention on social media through inappropriate behaviour.

He reiterated that the state government would continue to take firm action against any conduct capable of tarnishing the image of schools or weakening educational standards.

The commissioner added that the administration remains determined to protect the reputation of the state’s education sector and ensure that schools remain environments where discipline and moral values are promoted alongside academic excellence.