The Ondo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has suspended 27 students from three public secondary schools in Akure over alleged acts of misconduct.
The affected students are from Oyemekun Grammar School, Aquinas College and CAC Grammar School.
The ministry said the students were placed on immediate and indefinite suspension following reports of unruly behaviour and other acts of gross misconduct, which it said contravened the state’s Code of Conduct for public secondary schools.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Akindele Ige, visited the affected schools to enforce the suspension order and met with principals, vice-principals and heads of departments.
According to Ige, the decision became necessary despite sustained efforts by the ministry to tackle indiscipline through regular engagements with school administrators and other stakeholders.
He said repeated warnings had been issued, but some students continued to engage in behaviour considered unacceptable within the state’s education system.
Ige called for stronger supervision, effective monitoring and stricter enforcement of disciplinary measures across public schools.
He also expressed concern over what he described as a growing incidence of bullying, fighting, truancy and the circulation of indecent videos on social media among students.
“The ministry maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards behaviours that undermine the integrity of our educational system. Schools are centres 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.
Under the suspension, the affected students are barred from entering their schools or participating in any school-related activities until further notice.
The ministry said the cases are being reviewed by the disciplinary committees of the affected schools in collaboration with the ministry before further decisions are taken.
Ige also urged parents and guardians to play a more active role in monitoring the conduct of their children.
“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 said.
He added that the ministry would continue routine monitoring of schools across the state and warned that students found guilty of bullying, fighting or other serious acts of misconduct would face disciplinary sanctions in line with established procedures.
