By Saidu Idris
365Daily – The Lagos State Government has ordered the indefinite closure of Dowen College, Lekki, pending the outcome of an investigation into the death of Master Sylvester Oromoni (Jnr), a student of the school, who was allegedly killed by bullies.
Oromoni was allegedly bullied to death by some students in the elite boarding school, who inflicted fatal internal injuries on him, according to his confession to his parents and also medical doctor’s observation before his sad death.
The State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo, announced the closure of the school after a meeting with the school’s management and staff on Friday, December 3, 2021.
Mrs. Adefisayo, however, called for calm among the stakeholders, stressing that no effort will be spared in getting to the root of the incident.
The Lagos State Government had earlier commiserated with the parents of the late 12-year-old boy.
Speaking on the incident, the Commissioner said it was very shocking and the State was indeed sad about the loss of the promising youth.
She disclosed that a delegation of top-level management staff of relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies and the Police, had visited the school on a fact-finding mission.
According to her, preliminary investigations revealed that the late Sylvester Oromoni was indeed enrolled as a student of Dowen College in its boarding facility and had been treated by the school’s medical personnel before the school requested that the parents take him away for further care.
“The State Government is in touch with the parents at this difficult time. We reassure the family of the late Sylvester Oromoni and Lagosians at large that efforts are being made to unravel the circumstances leading to his demise, even as we reiterate the government’s commitment to Child Protection and Safety in the State,” she said.