Kunle Adelabu
Concerned individuals and educationists have raised serious concern over the growing indecent celebrations being embraced by secondary school students after completing their WAEC examinations.
This is coming on the heels of recent wild jubilation by students in Ondo State and in some other areas, which has attracted public outrage and withholding of affected students results and also of their testimonials.
Some concerned individuals have described the situation as an unfortunate situation that can no longer be ignored and called on parents, school authorities and the government to stem the immoral celebration before it turned into another troubling situation.
In the viral video showing the indecent celebration, male students were seen inappropriately touching female students.
Asiwaju Rotimi Erogbogbo, former Chairman, Ikorodu -Oga Development Association (IKODAS), and founder of the RHODA Youth Centre, a centre established to train youths in skill and support pupils and students with scholarship and learning materials, lamenting on the ugly development, describes the situation as abandonment of values.
“Every year, thousands of final-year secondary school students celebrate the completion of their examinations. Unfortunately, what should be a moment of thanksgiving and hope has, in many cases, become an exhibition of indecency, reckless behaviour, substance abuse, vandalism, and dangerous peer pressure.
“When did celebrating success become synonymous with abandoning values?” he queried.
He emphasised that school, parents and the community must be in accord to address frontally the trend before it gets out of hand.
“This is more than a school issue. It is a parenting issue, an educational issue, a community issue, and a moral issue.
“Our children deserve celebrations that reflect dignity, responsibility, and excellence—not moments they may regret for the rest of their lives.”
The educationist and community developer insists: “Parents must intentionally build character; schools must uphold discipline; religious institutions must continue to teach moral values and communities must stop glorifying harmful trends.”
While stating that academic excellence must be accompanied by character, Asiwaju Erogbogbo, added that the future of any nation is dependent on youth with values.
“Academic excellence without character is incomplete. Let us celebrate achievement without sacrificing integrity
“The future of our nation depends not only on educated children but on children with values.
“A child’s greatest achievement is not merely graduating from school, but graduating with values, discipline, and integrity. Let us celebrate success without compromising character,” Asiwaju Erogbogbo emphasised.
A school owner, Mr Oyenuga Abdulateef Omotayo, also expressing his displeasure queried what is new about signing -out after the completion of WAEC.
He condemned in its totality, the indecent celebration.
“What exactly is this new “sign-out ceremony” among WAEC finalists?
“I understand students want to celebrate after completing their WAEC exams—it’s a major milestone and is worth celebrating. But what I’m seeing these days is disturbing.
“Some female students now remove or loosen parts of their school blouses/tops and use them as writing pads for signatures and messages. Honestly, this is becoming an eyesore.
“When did celebration become indecency? What happened to modesty, discipline, and self-respect?” he queried.
He expressed worries at the level of attention that young people are seeking due to peer pressures.
Mr Omotayo called on school owners and parents to focus more on instilling necessary values on their students and children to bring up disciplined youth with values.
“Sadly, social media influence, peer pressure, and lack of proper supervision are pushing many students into doing things just for trends, likes, and attention.
“Celebration is not wrong. Signing uniforms is not wrong. But losing dignity in the process is wrong.
“To parents, teachers, and school owners: we need to pay more attention to the values we are passing to this generation.”
The educationist also charged students on the need to develop and maintain good character.
“To students: finishing secondary school is an achievement, but how you celebrate also speaks about your character.
“Don’t trade your dignity for temporary attention. Character is as important as certificates.”
