The Founder of Dowen College, Lekki, Dr Olumide Phillips has stepped down as the chairman of the governing board, a statement from the school has said.
Dowen College has been in the news after an 11-year-old student of the school, Sylvester Oromoni Jnr died following injuries sustained while in the boarding facility of the college. Before his death, he is said to have named senior school students who brutalised him in his dormitory.
ALSO READ: Sylvester Oromoni: This ‘Massive Cover-Up’ Will Be Uncovered – Falana
Lagos state government shut down the school following Oromoni’s death and launched an investigation into the circumstances that led to his death. After investigation and autopsy, the state government absolved the students and staff of Dowen college of any wrongdoing in the death of Oromoni. It was gathered that consultation has been ongoing between the management of the college, the state government and the family of the deceased to find an amicable solution to the issue.
In a statement on January 27, signed by Tomi Borisade on behalf of the school, it was disclosed that the founder of the college, Mr Philiips alongside the members of the governing board have stepped aside.
The statement read, “The founding members of the Board of Governors including the Founder and Chairman of the Board, Dr. O. Olumide Phillips, who have worked tirelessly over the years to develop outstanding children both in and out of the school, have chosen to retire and pass the baton of change to a new generation of seasoned professionals who will run with the vision, leadership passion, commitment and values they have worked rigorously to establish.
“This will also enhance communication and effectiveness with the Parents Teachers Forum. Their good works cannot be allowed to go in vain and they are keen to ensure that.”
ALSO READ: Lagos Gov’t Clears Dowen College Students And Staff From Sylvester Oromoni’s Death
On the death of Sylvester Oromoni, 12, a student of the school last November, the statement further read, “May God grant the Oromoni family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. We pray we will never experience such an unfortunate incident in our community again. Sylvester’s demise has left all of us at Dowen College deeply saddened.
“Our students, staff, and community have been affected by the news surrounding his passing and we find ourselves navigating unchartered waters.”
The school said it was working with the Lagos State Ministry of Education and taken on board their guidance and suggestions with regard to various areas of improvement.
They also promised to implement infrastructural changes to the hostels and school facilities to enhance safety and oversight within the school premises.
Meanwhile, the management of the college is awaiting a directive from the Lagos State government to reopen
