The Lagos State Government has responded swiftly to a viral video circulating on social media, which shows a group of students, alleged to be from Excel College, Ejigbo, engaging in acts of smoking and alcohol consumption inside a dormitory. The video, which has sparked public outrage, raised questions about discipline, moral values, and institutional oversight in schools across the state.
According to reports, the video depicts students in uniform engaging in illicit behaviour within what appears to be a dormitory setting. The footage, which has since gained widespread traction online, has not only shocked parents and stakeholders but also prompted immediate intervention from the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.
In a statement released by the Honourable Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, the State Government condemned the incident in strong terms. He reiterated that such behaviours run contrary to the core values of Lagos State’s educational system, which emphasizes discipline, excellence, and moral development.
Mr. Alli-Balogun confirmed that the Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA) has already launched a thorough investigation into the matter. The Monitoring and Investigation team has been dispatched to verify the authenticity of the video, confirm the identities of the students involved, and assess the level of institutional responsibility.
Preliminary engagements with the management of Excel College, Ejigbo, have reportedly commenced. Authorities are expected to provide details regarding the level of supervision within the dormitory, the possible lapses in student monitoring, and measures the school has in place to uphold discipline.
The Commissioner stressed that any school found guilty of negligence or complicity in such misconduct will face appropriate sanctions in line with Lagos State’s education policies and regulations. These sanctions could range from fines and warnings to more stringent measures depending on the level of culpability established.
The Lagos State Government reaffirmed its commitment to prioritizing the safety, well-being, and moral development of all learners. Officials maintained that the learning environment must remain conducive to both academic and ethical growth, and that every case of misconduct will be treated with zero tolerance.
Interestingly, while the government’s statement gained traction, the official communication stirred mixed reactions online. From The Nigeria Education News findings, several users on X platform questioned the correlation between the official write-up and the photograph of a smiling man attached to the release. Many argued that the choice of image undermined the seriousness of the message being conveyed.
For instance, a Twitter user identified as Mr B queried: “What is the correlation between the write up and the picture attached?” Another user, The Capricorn, echoed similar sentiments, asking, “His picture is for what exactly?” Such remarks reflect the growing demand for public offices to ensure consistency and clarity in their messaging.
Beyond the issue of imagery, members of the public also questioned whether the government’s intervention was proportionate to the offense. One user, Nwachukwu, suggested that investigating students for smoking and drinking was a misplaced priority, arguing that it was not a crime and could be compared to “normal tobacco use.”
Another commenter, Gbelokotor, requested that the state publish its education policies and regulations, stating: “Sir, kindly post the education policies and regulations of Lagos State so we can know what to expect.” This reflects a wider call for transparency in how disciplinary measures are applied and communicated.
Others, however, supported the government’s stance, commending the seriousness with which the issue was addressed. A user identified as Dark Knight simply wrote, “Well said,” while another, OluwaSeun, sarcastically pointed out the irony of pairing a stern message with the image of “a smiling man.”
The incident has sparked broader conversations about the pressures faced by students in boarding environments, the role of peer influence, and the responsibilities of schools to instill discipline. Education analysts argue that beyond punishment, there must be a focus on student counselling, parental involvement, and value-based learning to curb such behaviours.
As the investigation continues, the Lagos State Government has assured parents, guardians, and stakeholders that no stone will be left unturned in addressing the matter. The outcome of the inquiry is expected to shape future disciplinary frameworks, while also reinforcing the state’s stance on ensuring that schools remain centers of discipline and learning.
Conclusively, the viral video has exposed the delicate balance between student freedom, institutional responsibility, and government oversight. While the reactions remain divided, the development underscores the urgent need for stronger moral education, stricter supervision in schools, and a holistic approach to student welfare. For now, all eyes remain on the Lagos State Government and its next steps in handling the case of Excel College, Ejigbo.
