Dowen College
| Dowen College | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Information | |
| Type | Private, day & boarding school |
| Principal | Dr. A. Layiwola |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Age | 11 to 18 |
Dowen College is a co-educational college located in Lekki, a suburb of Lagos.
The college takes both boarding and day pupils and admits them between the age of 11–18 years. In 2015, the school organised a valedictory service, where outstanding students in their academy performance were rewarded.[1]
The music video for Wizkid's "Holla at Your Boy" was shot at Dowen College.[2]
Controversy over the death of Sylvester Oromoni
In December 2021, Sylvester Oromoni, a 12-year-old student at Dowen College, Lagos, was reported to have been bullied and beaten by five senior students after he allegedly refused to join a cult group.[3] According to his father, the students also gave him a chemical substance to drink.[4] Following his death, the Lagos State Government ordered the indefinite closure of the school pending the outcome of investigations.[5][6] The incident sparked widespread public outcry, with the hashtag #JusticeForSylvesterOromoni trending across social media. The parents of four of the students involved voluntarily submitted themselves to the police for further investigation. In April 2024, the Lagos State Coroner concluded its inquest into Oromoni’s death. The coroner ruled that his death was natural but avoidable, attributing it to medical and parental negligence rather than bullying or poisoning.[7] The findings indicated that Oromoni died from septicemia caused by an untreated ankle injury, which led to complications in his lungs and kidneys. The coroner exonerated Dowen College and its staff, while highlighting negligence by the parents and the family doctor for not seeking timely medical attention. Recommendations included improvements in student monitoring and psychological support within the school.[8]
Notable alumni
- Moet Abebe, video jockey, television presenter, actress, and catering exec
- Tems, Nigerian Singer
Academic Excellence
- Buraimoh Obaseyi Daniel,(Class of 2010) – Achieved a First Class degree in Computer Science from San Francisco State University, becoming the first Nigerian to do so at the institution.[9]
- David Umo, (Class of 2015) – Graduated with 8 A1s in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).[10]
- Ene Nnenna, (Class of 2017) – Achieved 9 A1s in WASSCE 2017.[11]
- Serena Omo-Lamai, (Class of 2015) – Bioengineer and academic. She graduated as valedictorian with top WASSCE and IGCSE results, earned a Ph.D. in Bioengineering from the University of Pennsylvania, and received the PhRMA Foundation Predoctoral Fellowship in Drug Delivery.[12]
Entrepreneurship & Leadership
- Henry Ugochukwu Nneji, – Listed among the nominees for Forbes Africa's 30 Under 30 Class of 2025.[13]
See also
References
- ^ guardian newspaper (17 June 2015). "female students glitters at dowen college valedictory". Retrieved 18 October 2015.
- ^ "360 Video Première: Wizkid – Holla At Your Boy". 360nobs. Retrieved 17 July 2013.
- ^ "Dowen College student death - Check all you need to know". BBC News Pidgin. Retrieved 2021-12-03.
- ^ "Dowen College: Black liquid found in Sylvester's stomach during autopsy – Father". Punch Newspapers. 2021-12-03. Retrieved 2021-12-03.
- ^ "[BREAKING]: Sylvester Oromoni: Lagos orders indefinite closure of Dowen college". Punch Newspapers. 2021-12-03. Retrieved 2021-12-03.
- ^ "Lagos govt, police visit Dowen College over controversial death of student". 2021-12-03. Retrieved 2021-12-03.
- ^ "Sylvester Oromoni: Coroner says death was natural but avoidable". Channels TV. 2024-04-15. Retrieved 2025-08-22.
- ^ "Oromoni's death caused by medical, parental negligence – Coroner". The ICIR. 2024-04-15. Retrieved 2025-08-22.
- ^ "Dowen College Alumni". Retrieved 2025-08-22.
- ^ "Dowen College Alumni". Retrieved 2025-08-22.
- ^ "Dowen College Alumni". Retrieved 2025-08-22.
- ^ "Serena Omo-Lamai Alumni Profile". Retrieved 2025-08-22.
- ^ "Dowen College Alumni". Retrieved 2025-08-22.
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