Ondo rehabilitates students arrested over wild post-WASSCE jubilation

n n

The Ondo State Government has rehabilitated and reoriented some students of Oyemekun Grammar School and Aquinas College, Akure, who were involved in wild and indecent jubilation after writing their final West African Senior School Certificate Examination papers.

n

This was contained in a statement issued by the Press Officer of the state Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Bisi Lawani, on Tuesday.

n

According to the statement, the rehabilitation programme, which was carried out during the holiday period, was organised by the ministry in collaboration with the Nigerian Correctional Service, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the Ondo State Neuro-Psychiatric Specialist Hospital.

n

Speaking on the development, the state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, said the rehabilitation programme was aimed at correcting negative behaviours, instilling discipline and responsible conduct, and helping the students understand the consequences of actions capable of threatening public safety and disrupting peace in society.

n

He described the rehabilitation programme as a novel approach, stressing that the government deliberately chose counselling and rehabilitation rather than punitive measures that could negatively affect the future of the students.

n

Ajibefun assured the students and their parents that their names had been permanently removed from the Black Book, adding that their WASSCE certificates, which had previously been withheld, would also be released.

n

Admonishing the students, the commissioner said, “What you have done has been totally forgiven because you have undergone the desired change, so, we want you to continue to behave in a responsible way. Anywhere you find yourself, you are representing your family; you are representing Nigeria. Please behave well so that we can continue to be proud of you.”

n

He added, “This reaffirmed the commitment of the state government to inculcating discipline, good morals and responsible behaviour in students alongside academic excellence.”

n

It was earlier reported that a few months ago, students of the two secondary schools featured in a viral video showing them on the streets, jubilating after completing their final papers and engaging in indecent acts, including tearing their uniforms and chanting inappropriate slogans, among others.

n

Following the incident, some of the students were arrested by the state government and made to undergo sanctions and rehabilitation. The affected students have, however, completed the rehabilitation process.

n

The commissioner noted that the ministry would continue to monitor the rehabilitated students to ensure that the positive changes achieved during the programme were sustained.

n

The Director of Guidance and Counselling, Continuous Assessment and Evaluation in the ministry, Mrs Olufunke Ademuyiwa, explained that the four-week programme covered psycho-education, individual and group counselling, behavioural reflection and anger management.

n

She said the students had demonstrated significant positive changes and were already showing a willingness to help other young people make better choices.

n

“The students were taken to the Ondo State Neuro-Psychiatric Specialist Hospital and the Correctional Centre in Akure for educational tours and counselling sessions with professionals,” she stated.

n

In his remarks, the Ondo State Commandant of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Mr Gabriel Folayemi, commended all those who contributed to the success of the rehabilitation programme.

n

Represented by the Assistant State Commandant, Counselling, Treatment and Rehabilitation, Funmilayo Bamisaye, the commandant urged the students to make responsible choices regarding their actions and the peers they associated with.

n

Similarly, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Ondo State Command, Oyewole Adedayo, warned the students against engaging in criminal activities that could lead to imprisonment.

n

He also urged teachers to strengthen their monitoring of students, while emphasising the important role of parents and the home in raising responsible children and adults.

n

Adedayo said, “Some inmates are products of broken homes, so that is why it is important for parents and guardians must pay close attention to the upbringing and behaviour of their children,” he advised.

n n