Dowen College, located in the Lekki area of Lagos, is a private, co-educational secondary school that has, for over two decades, built a reputation for blending the Nigerian and British curricula to provide students with a broad, internationally aligned education. Founded in 1997, the school started with only nine students and has since grown into a prominent institution, boasting a mix of day and boarding facilities. Over the years, it has been known for academic excellence, moral instruction, and a disciplined learning environment. Its alumni have gone on to achieve notable successes both within Nigeria and abroad, further cementing its image as one of Lagos’s elite schools. The school has even gained visibility in popular culture, having served as the filming location for Wizkid’s hit music video “Holla at Your Boy.”
Despite its strong academic credentials, Dowen College’s recent history has been marred by controversies that have significantly affected its public image. In 2021, the tragic death of 12-year-old Sylvester Oromoni shook the nation after allegations surfaced that he had been bullied by senior students and forced to join a cult group. His family claimed he was given a harmful substance, and his death sparked widespread outrage under the hashtag #JusticeForSylvesterOromoni. The Lagos State Government responded swiftly, ordering the school’s indefinite closure on December 3 2021, and halting all academic activities, including online classes. The case attracted national and international attention, prompting calls for increased safety and welfare measures in Nigerian schools.
More recently, in August 2025, Dowen College again found itself at the center of government action when the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment sealed the school premises over sanitation and environmental violations. Officials accused the school of improper waste disposal, which contravened state laws aimed at protecting public health. This closure formed part of Lagos’s broader #CleanerLagos campaign, reinforcing the government’s zero-tolerance stance on environmental negligence. For a school of Dowen’s stature, the incident was a stark reminder that prestige does not place an institution above compliance with public health and safety regulations.
Google reviews of Dowen College in Lekki reflect a mix of concerns, with the school’s Google rating averaging around 3.7 stars. Many reviewers express dissatisfaction due to safety concerns following past incidents, particularly the case involving Sylvester Oromoni. However, the controversy surrounding the school has left many parents and potential students wary, especially regarding student welfare and safety.
These incidents have created a complex public perception of Dowen College. On one hand, it remains an institution with a legacy of academic success, moral education, and a global outlook for its students. On the other, its recent controversies underscore serious lapses in student welfare oversight and environmental responsibility. The challenge for Dowen College moving forward is not only to uphold its academic standards but also to restore trust through transparent reforms, stronger safety protocols, and a demonstrated commitment to both student protection and operational compliance.
With the right reforms and renewed commitment to excellence, Dowen College has the potential to turn its recent setbacks into a powerful story of transformation. Only through such efforts can the school hope to recover its reputation and continue its mission of producing well-rounded, principled leaders in the years to come. Its long-standing tradition of academic rigor, moral guidance, and global exposure provides a strong foundation upon which to rebuild.
Source: Google. Wikipedia. Guardian. People’s Gazette.
Address: 18 Adebayo Doherty Rd, Lekki Phase I, Lagos
Website: www.dowencollege.org.ng
