The Ondo State Government has sanctioned 17 students from three public secondary schools in Akure after a viral “sign-out” video showed them engaging in unruly conduct following the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination, WASSCE.
The affected students are from Oyemekun Grammar School, Akure; Aquinas College, Akure; and CAC Grammar School. The video, which circulated widely on TikTok and Facebook, showed the students tearing their school uniforms and chanting inappropriate slogans while celebrating the end of their final exams.
What Triggered the Sanctions
The footage surfaced shortly after the students completed their last WASSCE paper in May-June 2026. According to the Ondo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, the behaviour was described as “chaotic and undisciplined” and a violation of the core values of the state’s educational system. The matter was addressed at an emergency meeting convened by the ministry with principals and management of the affected schools at the ministry’s headquarters in Akure.
Sanctions Announced by Government
Following the emergency meeting, the ministry handed down immediate sanctions:
1. Withheld Results & Testimonials: The official school testimonials and WASSCE results of the 17 students identified in the video were ordered withheld indefinitely.
2. “Black Book” Record: The names of the 17 students were entered into a newly created “black book” for student misconduct in their respective schools. All principals across Ondo State were directed to establish similar disciplinary records for students found guilty of misconduct.
3. Queries for School Officials: Senior officers at the affected schools received official queries over alleged lapses in supervision that allowed the celebrations to degenerate into disorder.
4. Expulsion for Non-Graduating Students: The state government directed the immediate expulsion of any student featured in the video who is not a member of the graduating class.
Speaking after the disciplinary hearing, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, said the state government would not condone acts capable of undermining discipline and tarnishing the image of schools in the state.
Ajibefun noted that while students are permitted to celebrate the completion of examinations, such celebrations must be conducted responsibly and within acceptable standards of behaviour. He also advised parents to consistently counsel their children against actions that could mar their futures, stating that the measures would serve as a deterrent.
The 2026 May/June WASSCE for school candidates began on April 21 and was scheduled to end on June 19, 2026. The sign-out tradition usually involves students signing shirts and taking photos, but the Ondo case shows the line between celebration and misconduct.The incident has sparked widespread public outrage and debate on social media about discipline in secondary schools.
