The Ondo State government has suspended 27 students from three public secondary schools in Akure over alleged misconduct.

Bisi Lawani, head of the media unit, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, announced this in a statement on Monday.

The affected students are from Oyemekun Grammar School, Aquinas College and CAC Grammar School.

The ministry explained that the students were suspended over gross misconduct and unruly behaviour contrary to the state’s code of conduct for public secondary schools.

“Despite regular meetings and consultations with principals and other relevant stakeholders on strategies for combating indiscipline, as well as repeated warnings, some students continued to engage in unacceptable conduct that cannot be tolerated.

“During meetings with the principals, vice-principals and heads of departments, the Permanent Secretary, Dr Akindele Ige, emphasised the need to strengthen supervision, monitoring, and the enforcement of disciplinary measures within the schools,” it said.

The ministry expressed concern over the increasing incidence of bullying, fighting, truancy and the circulation of indecent videos on social media.

It noted that such acts not only disrupt the learning environment but also tarnish the image of the state’s educational sector.

The ministry said it maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward behaviours that undermine the integrity of the educational system.

It stated that schools are centres for character formation and academic excellence, adding that the state government remains committed to ensuring that schools are safe, disciplined and conducive to learning.

“Under the terms of the suspension, the affected students are prohibited from entering their respective school premises or participating in any school-related activities until further notice.

“Their cases are currently under review by the respective school disciplinary committees in collaboration with the ministry. We urge parents and guardians to play a more proactive role in monitoring their children’s activities,” it added.

It encouraged 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.

The ministry said it would continue its routine visits to schools to monitor compliance with established rules and regulations.

It warned that, henceforth, any student found culpable of bullying, fighting, or other serious acts of misconduct would face appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with established procedures.

“The ministry remains committed to promoting both discipline and the holistic development of every learner in the state’s public schools,” it stated. 

(NAN)