The Lagos State Government has ordered the indefinite closure of Dowen College, Lekki, following the tragic death of 12-year-old Sylvester Oromoni (Jnr), who was allegedly beaten by fellow students for refusing to join a cult group.
The announcement was made by Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo, after a meeting with the school’s management and staff on Friday. The state government stated that the school would remain closed pending the outcome of the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the boy’s death.
Allegations and Reactions
Sylvester’s death sparked nationwide outrage after a family member, using the Twitter handle @perrisoromoni, alleged that the boy was beaten to death by students after resisting attempts to initiate him into a cult. Before his death on Tuesday, the young boy reportedly named five of his schoolmates responsible for his injuries.
Further details from Sylvester Oromoni (Snr), the deceased’s father, revealed that the students involved had previously been suspended after asking Sylvester to describe his sister’s private parts — an incident that raised serious concerns about student discipline within the institution.
School’s Response
Before the state government’s intervention, the school had already suspended academic activities for two days — Friday, December 3 and Monday, December 6 — citing the emotional state of students in the wake of ongoing events. In a message to parents, Dowen College did not directly mention Sylvester’s death but acknowledged the sensitivity of the current situation.
The email read in part:
“In view of the current situation concerning the school and considering the emotions of our students, we have advised that our students stay home… This will also afford the students opportunity to revise for their forthcoming examinations.”
The investigation into Sylvester’s death is ongoing as the public and concerned organizations continue to call for justice.
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