The founder and chairman of the Board of Dowen College, Dr. Olumide Phillips, and all members of the school’s board have retired.
The news of their retirement is contained in a statement on January 27 signed by Tomi Borisade on behalf of the school made available to Church Times Nigeria.
Dowen College located in Lekki Lagos has had to battle with the unfortunate death of a 12-year-old student, Sylvester Oromoni. The death of Oromoni has generated a lot of reaction leaving the school on the defensive
A new generation described as seasoned professionals is expected to take over from the board members that just stepped down. They are expected to run with the vision of the school and reposition it for greater heights.
The decision of the board members to step down is informed by the need to inject new blood into the running of the school and reposition the school for greater heights.
Voluntary retirement
The statement reads in part, “The founding members of the Board of Governors including the Founder and Chairman of the Board, Dr. O. Olumide Phillips (Ph.D., FNSE, FNSChe, FAEng) 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”
Mourns Oromoni
The school regretted the unfortunate loss of Sylvester Oromoni praying that his soul rests in perfect peace. “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 statement read.
The school said earlier in the statement that “for over 24 years, Dowen College Lagos has been able to build a strong exemplary educational institution with high moral values and a culture of enviable track record.”
Determined to sustain this legacy, the school states that it is reviewing its policies with parents, staff, and students to ensure strict compliance and that best practices are adhered to.
Lazy staff to go
Dowen College states that staff who fail to meet up to this new challenge will be relieved of their positions adding that it is keen on ensuring that the school does not experience the ugly incident of the past few months.
External consultants are also expected to work with its management over the next few months to ensure that high standards and best practices are upheld and implemented where they are needed.
The consultants will assess the policies, processes, and practices of the school and work to reassure stakeholders of its commitment to high educational standards.
The school said it has been working with the Lagos State Ministry of Education and taken on board their guidance and suggestions with regard to various areas of improvement.
It promised to implement infrastructural changes to the hostels and school facilities to enhance safety and oversight within the school premises
The school expressed confidence that the new chapter would be one of collective re-dedication to excellence.
“We want our students to always be very proud of their school and our community to be assured of our best intentions at all times. “Education is the bedrock of our society. Dowen College is resolute in ensuring that we raise highly intellectual men and women with the best values who will positively develop and transform our country and their generation. We hope to do this with Gods’ help and everyone’s support.” the school stated.
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