The Ondo State Government has withheld the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results and testimonials of 17 graduating secondary school students over alleged misconduct during celebrations marking the end of their final examinations.
The affected students were drawn from Oyemekun Grammar School, Aquinas Secondary School, and CAC Grammar School, all located in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
According to the State Ministry of Education, the disciplinary action followed the circulation of a viral video showing some graduating students engaging in what authorities described as chaotic and unruly behaviour after writing their final examination paper.
The students were reportedly seen tearing their school uniforms and chanting slogans during the celebration, an act the government said violated the standards of discipline expected of students in public schools.
Education authorities said the decision to withhold the students’ results and testimonials was taken to serve as a deterrent and to reinforce discipline within the state’s education system.
The government also indicated that investigations into the incident had been concluded and appropriate sanctions imposed on those found culpable.
The development has sparked public debate, with some stakeholders supporting the government’s stance on discipline, while others have questioned the severity of the punishment imposed on the students.
As of the time of filing this report, officials maintained that the sanctions were necessary to uphold order and responsible conduct among students in the state.
