Sign-out: Ondo sanctions, withholds WAEC results of 17 students

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…expels non-graduating students

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By Dayo Johnson Akure

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The Ondo State Government has sanctioned 17 secondary school students by withholding their West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results and testimonials over a viral “sign-out” video that sparked widespread reactions on social media.

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The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology said the students are from three schools: Oyemekun Grammar School, Aquinas College and CAC Grammar School, all in Akure.

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Recall that the video surfaced shortly after the students completed the 2026 WASSCE.

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It showed them engaging in unruly conduct, including tearing school uniforms and chanting inappropriate slogans during end-of-examination celebrations.

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Disciplinary measures were announced after an emergency meeting between ministry officials and administrators of the affected schools at the ministry’s headquarters in Akure.

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According to the ministry, official testimonials and WASSCE results of the 17 students identified in the video have been withheld indefinitely.

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Their names will be entered into a newly established “black book” for student misconduct in their respective schools. Principals across the state were directed to create similar records for disciplinary infractions.

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Senior officers in the affected schools were also issued queries for alleged lapses in supervision that allowed the celebrations to degenerate into disorder.

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The ministry further ordered the immediate expulsion of any student featured in the video who is not in the graduating class.

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Commissioner for Education Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun said the government would not tolerate conduct capable of undermining discipline and the reputation of schools.

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Ajibefun said that “While celebrating academic milestones is natural, the growing sign-out culture among secondary school students must be guided by decency.

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“We will not fold our arms and watch the discipline we have painstakingly instilled in our schools be eroded for the sake of social media clout,” he said.

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Ajibefun added that government is determined to protect the integrity of the state’s education system.

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The Permanent Secretary Dr Akindele Ige urged principals to report disruptive incidents to Zonal Education Offices before they escalate.

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Parents and affected students have been summoned to the ministry to receive official letters conveying the sanctions.

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