WAEC is over, morals are too? Viral student celebration sparks outrage online

DDM News

A group of secondary school students in Nigeria has gone viral for their exuberant celebration marking the end of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC).

In a video that quickly spread on X (formerly Twitter), the students are seen dancing with unrestrained joy, many dressed in casual clothes rather than school uniforms.

Some were captured engaging in playful interactions, hugging and rejoicing in an open space believed to be near their school premises.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) observed that the celebration has ignited diverse conversations online, drawing attention not only to the nature of the jubilation but also to the societal reactions that followed.

The background of the video featured a Muslim song, a detail some interpreted as a symbolic farewell to their academic journey in secondary school.

Several students stood by, calmly observing the animated celebration while others actively took part in the spirited display.

The footage has since attracted thousands of views and a stream of reactions from Nigerians across different social media platforms, with users either defending the students or expressing concern over what they described as misplaced priorities.

Some commentators highlighted how Gen Z students appear more invested in celebration than reflection.

A user with the handle @manga_lee1 remarked, “See dem celebrating end of Secondary, dem no know say shege dey front,” referring to the potential challenges ahead.

Another user, @iam_kabbah, blamed parental upbringing, writing, “See what leaders are doing fgs. I blame their parents.”

Others used the moment to reflect on their past experiences. @DrippestT recalled swearing to “flex” during university days only to face the harsh reality of academic pressure after failing two courses.

While many condemned the perceived carelessness, some took a more reflective tone. User @iamemeryk stated,

“Most Africans think learning stops after school.

They can’t bear any thoughts of learning outside the walls of formal institutions.”

WAEC, short for West African Examinations Council, is a regional body that administers standardized exams to final-year secondary school students in Anglophone West Africa.

Completing WAEC is a major milestone, often seen as the gateway to higher education or professional life.

The significance of WAEC exams in Nigeria cannot be overstated.

For many families, particularly those in lower economic brackets, successfully completing WAEC represents a step toward upward mobility.

However, critics argue that celebrations should be tempered with introspection about future plans.

Experts say that while it’s natural for students to celebrate the end of such a significant chapter, it is also essential to channel their energy toward the next phase of life, whether it be university, technical training, or employment.

Human development researcher and education consultant Dr. Ugo Okwu stated that youthful excitement should not be mistaken for irresponsibility but urged schools and families to incorporate transition programs.

“Celebrations are part of closure, but schools must also teach transition planning, goal setting, emotional maturity, and the demands of tertiary life,” he said.

This is not the first time a post-WAEC celebration has stirred reactions. In 2023, a similar video surfaced showing students tearing their uniforms and pouring water on themselves, a ritual that sparked debates about decency and values among Nigerian youth.

According to social media trend analyst Ijeoma Anene, such videos gain traction because they blend joy, youth, and controversy. “It’s the perfect mix for virality, visible freedom after an intense season, caught on camera and uploaded instantly,” she said.

Anene added that the reactions also show the generational divide in Nigerian society, where older citizens often expect more restraint from the younger generation.

As the video continues to trend, observers suggest that this moment should prompt not just criticism but conversations on youth engagement and post-exam mentorship.

The role of guidance counselors, alumni support programs, and even faith-based mentoring has come under the spotlight.

Whether the students in the viral video were simply enjoying a fleeting moment or expressing deeper relief from academic pressure, the online reaction underscores a broader national concern,  how prepared are Nigeria’s youth for the world that awaits beyond secondary school?

DDM will continue to monitor the debate as it evolves and explore what these moments reveal about youth culture, education, and societal expectations in modern Nigeria.

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