- Safiu Kehinde
The Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has deployed its monitoring and investigation team to confirm the identities of the Excel College male students caught in a viral video drinking and smoking.
This was made known in a statement issued on Thursday by the state’s Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun.
NPO earlier Reported the disturbing video of the half-naked boys who organised a party in their dormitory where they were seen drinking alcohol and passing cigarettes to one another.
While confirming the ugly incident, Alli-Balogun expressed the state government’s displeasure with the students’ act.
The Commissioner said effort is ongoing to verify the authenticity of the video; confirm the identities of the students; and also determine the level of oversight by the college located in Ejigbo area of the state.
While the school principal had during interrogation by the police claimed that the students have graduated from the school, Alli-Balogun maintained that the ministry is still actively engaging the school authorities to gather all relevant facts.
The statement read; “The attention of the State Government has been drawn to a disturbing video currently circulating on social media.
“The video shows a group of students, presumed to be from Excel College, Ejigbo, engaging in acts of smoking and consumption of alcohol within what appears to be a dormitory setting.
“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.
“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.”