The Ondo State government has successfully rehabilitated some public secondary school students who were allegedly involved in activities that disrupted public peace during recent end-of-school celebrations. This rehabilitation program was organized by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology in collaboration with the Nigerian Correctional Service, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, and the State Neuro-Psychiatric Specialist Hospital.
The State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, announced the rehabilitation in Akure, the state capital. He stated that the program aimed to correct negative behaviors and instill discipline and responsible conduct in the students. The initiative also sought to help the students understand the consequences of actions that threaten public safety and disrupt peace in society.
Ajibefun emphasized that the rehabilitation program was a novel approach, with the government deliberately choosing counseling over punitive measures that could negatively affect the students' futures. He told the students that their actions had been forgiven, and they should continue to behave responsibly, representing their families and Nigeria positively.
As part of the rehabilitation, the students were taken to the Ondo State Neuro-Psychiatric Specialist Hospital and the Correctional Centre in Akure for educational tours and counseling sessions with professionals. The program covered psycho-education, individual and group counseling, behavioral reflection, and anger management.
The Director of Guidance and Counselling, Mrs Olufunke Ademuyiwa, noted that the students had shown significant positive changes and were already willing to help other young people make better choices. The Commissioner assured the students and their parents that their names had been removed from the 'Black Book' and their West African Senior School Certificate previously withheld would be released to them.
Other stakeholders, including the Nigerian Correctional Service and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, lauded the success of the rehabilitation program and emphasized the importance of responsible behavior and mentorship. They also stressed the role of parents and guardians in raising responsible children and adults.
The stakeholders advised the students to maintain close relationships with responsible older people who could provide guidance and mentorship. They also recommended establishing a platform where young people exhibiting similar behavioral traits could receive continuous mentoring as a preventive measure to ensure the students do not repeat the offenses that led to their participation in the program.
Key points
- The Ondo State government partnered with the Nigerian Correctional Service, NDLEA, and the State Neuro-Psychiatric Specialist Hospital to rehabilitate students.
- The rehabilitation program included psycho-education, counseling, and behavioral reflection to correct negative behaviors.
- The students' names were removed from the 'Black Book,' and their withheld WASSCE certificates were released after successful rehabilitation.
