Excel College, located in Ejigbo, has responded comprehensively to a viral video depicting former students engaging in activities involving alcohol and smoking within the school’s hostel premises. The video, which circulated widely in September, prompted investigations by the Lagos State Government through its Ministries of Education and Youth & Social Development, as well as the Lagos State Police Command. The college, in a detailed statement, confirmed the incidents while clarifying the specific circumstances surrounding them and outlining the actions taken in response.
The first incident, captured on video, took place on May 11th and involved a parent who visited her son to celebrate his last birthday in secondary school. The parent brought non-alcoholic wine and snacks, and the video shows the son and his friends consuming the beverage. The video, recorded on the parent’s phone, was subsequently shared within a class WhatsApp group. The college emphasizes the non-alcoholic nature of the drink provided by the parent. This clarification aims to contextualize the event and distinguish it from consumption of alcoholic beverages.
The second incident occurred in April 2025 during Holiday Extension Classes for students who had recently graduated from Senior Secondary 3 (SS3). The video showed some students participating in what appeared to be smoking, a game referred to as “pass and puff.” The school’s policy prohibits cell phones, however, SS3 students residing in the hostel were granted intermittent access to their phones to check updates regarding their Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) centers. This exception to the phone ban inadvertently allowed the recording and subsequent dissemination of the video. A concerned parent who viewed the video brought it to the school’s attention in June.
Upon being informed of the incidents, Excel College initiated a thorough internal investigation. Both the students involved and the Housemasters responsible for their supervision were questioned. The investigation confirmed that the incidents indeed transpired within the hostel premises. As a consequence, the Housemasters received stringent warning letters citing dereliction of duty and were penalized with the forfeiture of their termly allowance. The students involved were expelled from the hostel and barred from participating in the 2025 graduation ceremony. Demonstrating a degree of leniency following expressions of remorse and signed parental undertakings, the school later allowed the students to return to take their National Examinations Council (NECO) exams.
In response to the incidents, Excel College implemented several reforms aimed at preventing similar occurrences in the future. These reforms included relocating the SS3 reading room to a more open and accessible area within the hostel to enhance visibility and supervision. Additional measures focused on bolstering staff monitoring, increasing the frequency of counseling sessions for students, and ensuring strict adherence to designated visiting hours for parents and guests. These changes are intended to create a more structured and supervised environment within the hostel.
The college also proactively engaged its staff in preparation for the 2025/2026 academic session. Management conducted meetings with teachers, counselors, and specifically with Housemasters and Housemistresses to reinforce the importance of regular patrols, increased surveillance to prevent bullying and peer pressure, strict enforcement of visiting hours, and improved access to counseling services for students. This collaborative approach sought to equip staff with the tools and awareness necessary to maintain a safe and conducive environment within the hostel.
Excel College has affirmed its full cooperation with the ongoing government investigations. The college has provided all relevant documentary evidence, encompassing expulsion letters, warning letters issued to the students, and other pertinent materials, to the investigating authorities. Furthermore, parents of the implicated students, some of the former students themselves, and representatives from the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) have also been available to provide clarifications and further information as needed to ensure transparency and facilitate a thorough investigation. The college’s director, Dr. Dele Oke, reiterated the institution’s commitment to upholding both excellence and integrity in its operations, acknowledging public concerns and emphasizing the school’s dedication to maintaining a positive learning environment. This statement serves to reassure the public of the college’s commitment to addressing the issues and implementing effective measures to prevent future incidents.
