Lagos Govt Probes Excel College Students’ Viral Smoking, Drinking Video
Lagos Govt Probes Excel College Students’ Viral Smoking, Drinking Video
The Lagos State Government has reacted swiftly to a viral video showing students, alleged to be from Excel College, Ejigbo, smoking and consuming alcohol inside a dormitory.
The footage, which sparked outrage among parents and education stakeholders, prompted immediate intervention from the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.
In a statement, Commissioner Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun condemned the act, stressing that such behaviour violates Lagos State’s educational values of discipline, excellence, and moral development.
He confirmed that the Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA) has dispatched a team to verify the video’s authenticity, identify the students involved, and assess the school’s level of supervision. Preliminary discussions with the school management are already underway.
The Commissioner warned that schools found negligent or complicit would face sanctions ranging from fines to stricter measures in line with state education regulations.
ATTENTION: GET MORE UPDATES ABOUT SCHOOL NEWS AND SCHOLARSHIP UPDATES
Meanwhile, the official statement sparked mixed reactions online. Some users criticized the choice of a smiling image attached to the release, arguing it downplayed the seriousness of the message. Others questioned whether smoking and drinking warranted such a high-level government probe, while some applauded the state’s firm stance.
Education analysts noted that beyond punishment, counselling, parental involvement, and value-based learning remain vital to addressing such misconduct in schools.
The government assured parents and stakeholders that no stone would be left unturned in the investigation, promising that the findings would help shape stronger disciplinary frameworks for schools across the state.
