Lagos begins probe as footage depicts dormitory students smoking, drinking

A now-viral video has captured some students purported to be from a Lagos school smoking and drinking inside what appears to be their dormitory.

The footage was shared by a Twitter X user who also claimed the young students are of the Excel College in the Ejigbo Lagos.

The source said the video was posted to alert parents and guardians whose children are studying in the school.

“See how these children are smoking and drinking inside the boys hostel,” he said.

The Lagos state government, in response to the footage, stated that “the incident will be treated with utmost seriousness.”

In a statement, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, the Lagos commissioner for basic and secondary school education, said the government has commenced an investigation into the matter.

He said the monitoring and investigation team will verify the authenticity of the video, identify the students, and “determine the level of institutional oversight.”

He said the act is against the core values and behavioural standards expected within the Lagos state education system.

The commissioner added that any school found culpable in such acts will face sanctions in line with state education regulations.

Alli-Balogun maintained that the government ensures that all learning environments are safe, disciplined, and conducive to the academic and moral growth of every learner.

“The State Government views this incident with the utmost seriousness, as it goes against the core values and behavioural standards expected within the educational system of Lagos State,” he said.

“We wish to inform the public that the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MBSE), via the relevant agency, Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA), is fully aware of the content of the video and has commenced a thorough investigation into the matter.

“Our Monitoring and Investigation team has been dispatched to verify the authenticity of the video, confirm the identities of those involved, and determine the level of institutional oversight.

“Preliminary engagements have also begun with the school authorities to gather all relevant facts, and any school found culpable will face appropriate sanctions in line with Lagos State education policies and regulations.

“The safety, well-being, and moral values of all students remain paramount to the Lagos State Government.

“We are committed to ensuring that all learning environments are safe, disciplined, and conducive to the academic and moral growth of every learner.”