The Ondo State Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology has suspended 27 pupils from three public secondary schools in Akure for suspected wrongdoing.
According to the Daily Trust, the affected children attend Oyemekun Grammar School, Aquinas College, and CAC Grammar School.
According to the ministry, the immediate and indefinite suspension followed allegations of disorderly behavior and other acts of gross misconduct that were said to be in violation of the state’s Code of Conduct for Public Secondary Schools.
Dr. Akindele Ige, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, visited the impacted schools to implement the suspension order and spoke with principals, vice principals, and department heads.
Ige stated that the action became necessary despite sustained efforts by the ministry to address indiscipline through regular engagements with school administrators and other stakeholders.
He revealed that repeated warnings had been issued, but some students continued to engage in conduct considered unacceptable within the educational system.
The permanent secretary urged better supervision, effective monitoring, and harsh disciplinary actions across the state’s schools.
He also expressed concern over what he described as increasing cases of bullying, fighting, truancy, and the circulation of indecent videos on social media among students.
“The ministry maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards behaviors that undermine the integrity of our educational system. Schools are centers for character formation and academic excellence.
“The state government remains committed to ensuring that our schools are safe, disciplined, and conducive to learning,” he said.
The suspension order prevents affected students from attending school or participating in school-related activities until further notice.
The ministry is working with school disciplinary committees to review the cases before making any decisions. Ige also encouraged parents and guardians to monitor their children’s behavior.
“We encourage parents and guardians to partner with school authorities in guiding and monitoring their children, as the responsibility for nurturing discipline and good character is a shared one between the home and the school,” he stated.
He also stated that the ministry will maintain routine surveillance of schools throughout the state and cautioned that pupils found guilty of bullying, fighting, or other major acts of misbehavior would face disciplinary action in accordance with existing processes.
As of the time of reporting this article, the managements of the impacted institutions have not released an official comment regarding the suspensions.
