Excel College, Ejigbo, Lagos, has reacted to a viral video showing some former students drinking wine and smoking within its hostel premises. The school confirmed that the incidents took place but clarified the context and outlined disciplinary measures and reforms it has since introduced.
The Lagos State Government, through the Ministries of Education and Youth & Social Development, alongside the Lagos State Police Command, had launched an investigation after the video surfaced online in September.
In a statement signed by the Director of the school, Dr. Dele Oke, and made available to PUNCH Online on Saturday, the management confirmed that the incidents occurred earlier this year.
According to the school, the first video was recorded on May 11 when a parent brought non-alcoholic wine and snacks to celebrate her son’s final birthday as a secondary school student. The recording was later shared in a WhatsApp group.
The second incident happened in April 2025 during Holiday Extension Classes for recently graduated SS3 students, where some were caught experimenting with smoking in a game called “pass and puff.”
Although phones are banned in the school, Excel College explained that SS3 students in the hostel were permitted limited access to check their UTME centres. A concerned parent later reported the video to the school in June.
Following an internal investigation, the school expelled the implicated students from the hostel and barred them from the 2025 graduation ceremony. They were, however, allowed back to sit for their NECO exams after showing remorse and signing parental undertakings. The Housemasters on duty received warning letters and forfeited their termly allowances for dereliction of duty.
The school said it has since implemented structural and administrative reforms to forestall a repeat of such incidents. These include relocating the SS3 reading room to a more open area, increasing surveillance in hostels, strengthening counselling sessions, and enforcing stricter adherence to visiting hours.
Dr. Oke stressed that Excel College is fully cooperating with government authorities investigating the matter, having submitted documentary evidence such as expulsion and warning letters. Parents of the affected students and members of the school’s Parent-Teacher Association have also engaged with investigators.
“We acknowledge the concerns of Nigerians in this matter and remain resolute in our commitment to maintain excellence with integrity, both in words and actions,” the statement read.
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