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Police take over Dowen College as Lagos government shuts down proposed online classes

The government announced in a letter to the school that all academic activities, including online classes and examinations are to be shut down.

• December 5, 2021
Nigerian police shuts down Dowen College
Nigerian police shuts down Dowen College

The police in Lagos have taken over Dowen College to ensure compliance with the state government’s order shutting down all academic activities including online classes.

A photo seen by Peoples Gazette online indicated that the school has been sealed with operatives of the Rapid Response Squad manning the school gate.

The Lagos government in a letter signed by Folashade Adelisayo, the commissioner for education, and sent to the school management, emphasised that all forms of the school’s activities have been put on hold.

“Based on recent findings and ongoing investigations in respect of the above subject, you are hereby directed to shut down all school activities and inform and release all learners in the boarding house to their parents or guardians.

“Please note that this is a complete shutdown of all learning activities including online classes or examinations,” the letter read.

The state government had on Friday ordered the indefinite closure of the school, following the controversies surrounding the death of 12-year-old student, Sylvester Oromoni Junior. This was to enable proper investigations to be carried out.

But the school management, in a mail sent to parents shortly after the shutdown, announced that all academic activities will be held online until further notice.

Late Oromoni’s first posthumous birthday was celebrated on Saturday in the presence of families and friends.

Some Nigerians including celebrities also laid flowers at the schoolgate to honour the deceased student who died after being reportedly tortured by fellow students who wanted him to join their cult.

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