Ondo Government: Rehabilitates WASSCE Students After Disruptive Acts

• The Ondo State Government has completed a rehabilitation program for students from Oyemekun Grammar School and Aquinas College in Akure.
• These students were previously arrested for engaging in disruptive post-WASSCE celebrations, including tearing uniforms and chanting inappropriate slogans.
• The four-week program, conducted during the holiday period, involved psycho-education, counselling, and behavioural reflection, in collaboration with several state agencies.
• Commissioner Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun described this as a novel approach, prioritizing rehabilitation over punitive measures to protect the students' future prospects.
• As a result, the students' names have been permanently removed from a disciplinary 'Black Book,' and their previously withheld WASSCE certificates will be released.

He emphasized that the government deliberately chose counselling and rehabilitation over traditional punitive measures, aiming to safeguard the students' future prospects.

The Ondo State Government has announced the successful rehabilitation of students from Oyemekun Grammar School and Aquinas College in Akure, who were involved in disruptive celebrations following their final West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) papers. This initiative marks a significant effort by the Ondo government to rehabilitate WASSCE students who faced consequences for their actions.

A viral video circulated several months ago, depicting students from the two secondary schools on the streets, engaging in what authorities described as "wild and indecent jubilation." The acts included tearing uniforms and chanting inappropriate slogans. Following this incident, some of the students were subject to an Ondo WASSCE student arrest by state authorities. Rather than solely imposing punitive measures, the government opted for a comprehensive approach that combined sanctions with a structured rehabilitation program.

The rehabilitation program, which concluded recently, was a collaborative effort spearheaded by the state's Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. Conducted during the recent holiday period, the initiative ensured minimal disruption to academic schedules. Key partners in this significant Oyemekun Aquinas College rehabilitation effort included the Nigerian Correctional Service, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the Ondo State Neuro-Psychiatric Specialist Hospital.

Mrs. Olufunke Ademuyiwa, the Director of Guidance and Counselling, Continuous Assessment and Evaluation within the Ministry, detailed the four-week curriculum. It encompassed psycho-education, individual and group counselling sessions, behavioural reflection exercises, and anger management techniques. As part of their reorientation, students also participated in educational tours and counselling sessions with professionals at both the Ondo State Neuro-Psychiatric Specialist Hospital and the Correctional Centre in Akure, underscoring the Ondo Ministry of Education student discipline strategy.

Professor Igbekele Ajibefun, the state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, characterized the rehabilitation program as a pioneering method for addressing juvenile misconduct. He emphasized that the government deliberately chose counselling and rehabilitation over traditional punitive measures, aiming to safeguard the students' future prospects. This decision signals a potential shift in how Ondo State public order offences involving minors might be handled, aligning with principles of Nigeria juvenile rehabilitation Ondo.

The program's core objectives were to correct negative behaviours, instill discipline, and foster responsible conduct, helping the students understand the broader societal consequences of actions that could threaten public safety and disrupt peace. A significant outcome of their successful completion of the program is the permanent removal of their names from the "Black Book," a record of disciplinary infractions. Furthermore, their WASSCE certificates, which had been withheld, are now slated for release, providing a clear path forward for their academic and professional lives.

The Commissioner conveyed the state's forgiveness for the students' past actions, acknowledging their demonstrated change and urging them to maintain responsible conduct as representatives of their families and the nation. This commitment to inculcating discipline, good morals, and responsible behaviour, alongside academic excellence, was reaffirmed by the state government. Officials observed significant positive changes in the participants, who are now reportedly willing to guide other young people towards better choices.

The Ondo government rehabilitates WASSCE students with a long-term perspective, as the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology plans to continue monitoring them to ensure the sustained positive changes achieved during the program. Mr. Gabriel Folayemi, the Ondo State Commandant of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, represented by Assistant State Commandant Funmilayo Bamisaye, commended all contributors to the program's success, reinforcing the collaborative spirit behind this rehabilitative effort. A statement from Bisi Lawani, Press Officer for the state Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, confirmed these developments on Tuesday.

This article signals a potential shift in Ondo State's approach to juvenile delinquency, favoring rehabilitation over punitive measures for public order offences. Lawyers advising on education law or juvenile justice in Ondo should note this precedent, as it may influence future handling of similar cases and provide grounds for advocating for rehabilitative outcomes.

Source: Original reporting via Punch Newspaper