Celebrating Graduation On Social Media: Ondo Govt. Withholds Certificates Of 17 Students

Ondo State Government has sanctioned some graduating secondary school students for flouting directive of no celebration for final year students.

In the wake of complaints by parents about high costs of graduation ceremonies for outgoing pupils, government announced a ban directing school authorities to stop collecting money for such events.

However, students from Oyemekun Grammar School, Aquinas Secondary School, and CAC Grammar School, all in Akure, were seen in a viral “sign-out” video that sparked widespread public outrage across social media.

The affected students, numbering 17, have been sanctioned. Their testimonials and WASSCE results will be withheld upon release.

​In a statement,  “Ondo State Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology has cracked down on a group of secondary school students from Oyemekun Grammar School, Aquinas Secondary School, and CAC Grammar School following a viral “sign-out” video that sparked widespread public outrage across social media.

“The video, which circulated heavily on platforms like TikTok and Facebook, following the completion of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), showed graduating students engaging in chaotic and undisciplined behavior, including tearing uniforms and chanting inappropriate slogans.

“In an emergency meeting convened at the Ministry’s headquarters in Akure, government officials and school administrators gathered to address the breach of conduct.

​”The Ministry has handed down the following immediate sanctions to serve as a deterrent to other schools across the state:

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“The official school testimonials and WASSCE results of the 17 students identified in the video will be withheld until further notice, and their names will be entered into the “black book” of their respective schools.

“All principals have been directed to open a “black book” for student misconduct, and senior officers at the affected schools have received official queries for failing to adequately  supervise and allowing the celebrations to degenerate into lawlessness.