#JusticeForSylvesterOromoni: Lagos State Government Orders Indefinite Closure Of Dowen College
The Lagos State Government has ordered the indefinite closure of Dowen College, Lekki, pending the outcome of an investigation into the tragic death of Sylvester Oromoni Jnr, a boarding student of the school.
The 12-year-old boy died after he was allegedly beaten by his fellow students over his refusal to join their cult.
The school management released a statement denying the claims and yesterday the family of the deceased released a video to backup their allegation that their boy was tortured to death in the school by other students.
The video sparked outrage on social media with concerned Nigerians calling for the closure of the school till investigations have been completed.
Commissioner for Education, Mrs Folasade Adefisayo announced the closure, on Friday, December 3, after a meeting with the School Management and Staff.
The Commissioner also called for calm, saying no effort will be spared in getting to the root of the incident.
The Lagos State government had earlier reacted to the sad death of Sylvester. According to the Lagos State Ministry of Education, it will unravel the mystery behind the death of the teen.
READ ALSO: Tragic Story Of How 12-Year-Old Dowen College Student Was Allegedly Murdered By His Classmates
In a statement by the Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Mr. Ganiu Lawal, the Education Commissioner commiserated with his family.
The statement also noted that she visited the school with a team from the ministry on Friday to investigate the incident. The statement reads:
“Lagos State Government sends its condolences to the Parents of 12-year-old Sylvester Oromoni Jnr.,a student of Dowen College, Lekki.
“The Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo, notes that this incident is shocking and the State is indeed sad about this great loss.
“A delegation comprising top-level management of relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies and the Police, has visited the school on a fact-finding mission.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that Sylvester Oromoni Junior 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 in this difficult time
“We reassure the family of the late Sylvester Oromoni Junior 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.”