Ondo Govt Withholds WAEC Results of 17 Students, Expels Others Over Viral Sign-Out Video

The Ondo State Government has sanctioned 17 graduating secondary school students by withholding their West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results and school testimonials following a viral sign-out video that showed acts of indiscipline during post-examination celebrations in Akure.

The affected students were drawn from three public secondary schools in the state capital — Oyemekun Grammar School, Aquinas College and CAC Grammar School. The students were captured in a video allegedly tearing their school uniforms, chanting inappropriate slogans and engaging in disorderly conduct after completing the 2026 WASSCE.

The sanctions were announced after an emergency meeting convened by the Ondo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology with administrators of the affected schools at the ministry’s headquarters in Akure.

As part of the disciplinary measures, the state government directed that the WASSCE results and official testimonials of the identified students be withheld indefinitely. Their names have also been entered into a misconduct register, popularly referred to as a “black book,” to document disciplinary infractions. The government further ordered all secondary school principals across the state to establish similar records for future cases of misconduct.

In addition, authorities ordered the immediate expulsion of any student featured in the viral footage who was not a member of the graduating class. Senior officers in the affected schools were equally issued queries for alleged lapses in supervision that allowed the celebrations to degenerate into disorder.

Speaking on the development, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, said the government would not tolerate actions capable of undermining discipline and tarnishing the reputation of schools in the state.

Ajibefun acknowledged that students have the right to celebrate the completion of their examinations but stressed that such celebrations must be conducted responsibly and within acceptable standards. He expressed concern over the growing “sign-out” culture among secondary school students, warning that it should not become an excuse for unruly behaviour or a quest for social media attention.

The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Akindele Ige, also urged school principals to promptly report disruptive incidents to relevant education authorities before they escalate. Parents and affected students have reportedly been invited to the ministry to receive official communication on the sanctions.