Excel College addresses viral Video of Ex-Students Drinking and Smoking

Excel College, Ejigbo, has responded to a viral video showing former students drinking wine and smoking within its hostel premises.

In a statement issued by the school’s director, Dr. Dele Oke, on Saturday, the management confirmed that the incidents occurred but clarified the circumstances surrounding them.

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The statement followed reports that the Lagos State Government, through the Ministries of Education and Youth & Social Development, alongside the Lagos State Police Command, had launched an investigation into the matter.

Birthday Celebration Misinterpreted

According to the school, the first incident happened on May 11, when a parent was allowed to visit her son in the hostel to celebrate his final birthday in secondary school. She reportedly brought non-alcoholic wine and snacks, which were shared among the students.

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“A parent, who arrived about 7pm, pleaded to be granted access to her son as it was his last birthday to be celebrated in Secondary School. The parent brought non-alcoholic wine and snacks, and her phone was used to make a recording of her son and his friends popping and drinking the wine,” the statement read.

The video was later shared in a class WhatsApp group, which gave rise to misconceptions.

“Pass and Puff” Smoking Incident

The second incident occurred in April 2025 during Holiday Extension Classes for recently graduated SS3 students. Some students were caught experimenting with smoking in a game they called “pass and puff.”

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While phones are generally banned in the school, the SS3 students had limited access to their devices to check updates on their UTME centres. A concerned parent who came across the video later reported it to the school in June.

Disciplinary Measures Taken

Excel College stated that it conducted an internal investigation, which confirmed the incidents took place. Both the implicated students and the Housemasters were questioned.

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The Housemasters received warning letters for negligence and forfeited their termly allowances. The students involved were expelled from the hostel, barred from the 2025 graduation ceremony, and only permitted to sit for their NECO exams after showing remorse and signing undertakings with their parents.

Reforms Implemented

In response, the school announced several structural and administrative reforms. The SS3 reading room was relocated to a more open area, staff surveillance was increased, and counselling sessions were expanded.

“Management also held several meetings with teachers, counsellors, and particularly the Housemasters and mistresses to increase the frequency of walk rounds, increase surveillance against bullying and peer pressure, ensure strict adherence to visiting hours, and improve access to counselling sessions,” the school explained.

Full Cooperation with Government Authorities

The school assured the public that it is cooperating with the ongoing government investigation. It has submitted all relevant documents, including expulsion and warning letters, to the authorities. Parents of the affected students, as well as PTA representatives, have also provided input to ensure transparency.

Dr. Oke concluded by reiterating the school’s commitment to integrity, “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.”