The Management of Dowen College, Lekki, in Lagos State has dissociated itself from wide-held claim that one of its students, Sylvester Oromoni Junior, died as a result injuries he sustained from beating by suspected cultists in the school.
Sylvester Oromoni, 12, had died, on Tuesday, November 30, 2021, in an undisclosed hospital where he was being treated for an ailment.
Before his death, the deceased had reportedly said the school’s cult members threatened to kill him if he reported them after he had been persuaded to join them and he refused.
But in a reaction to the claim, the school’s Management, though regretted the death of the boy, but it said the school has no history of cult activities from any of its students in its 25 years history.
READ ALSO: http://Forum appeals to Davido on plights of Benin orphanage home
The school said Dowen College was built on core values and godliness and had never tolerated any acts of cultism.
The school’s statement, termed ‘Premiinary Findings’, read thus, “It is with a heavy heart that we received the news of the sad demise of one of our dearly beloved children.
“On the 21st day of November 2021, one of the Hostel Parents reported to management that the young boy was injured while playing football. The resident registered nurse immediately administered first aid on him and after he expressed relief, was released to return to his hostel room.
“He was in class on Monday 22nd day of November 2021, but during school hours one of his friends accompanied him to the Sick Bay where he complained of some pain in his hip. “The doctor examined him and prescribed Ibuprofen for the pain, while the nurse massaged his leg, after which he felt a bit better.”
The release said that in accordance with school policy, the resident doctor called his mother reporting the incident and requesting that she come for him so that he could get further medical attention.
“The mother, however, said she was not in Lagos, spoke and prayed with him on the phone and promised to send the guardian to pick him up immediately for further medical attention.
“When the guardian failed to show up, the next day on the 23rd of November 2021, the doctor called the mother again and this time, she assured that his guardian would pick him from school.
“His guardian showed up and took him for X-ray after which the guardian informed the school management that the results of the investigation revealed that no part of his body was broken or injured.
“The resident doctor also called the mother later in the week to check up on his progress but she informed the doctor that he was sleeping at the time.
“The Principal also spoke with the mother on the phone to enquire about his progress and she reported that he was having a massage and gave the phone to him to speak with the Principal.
READ ALSO: http://BON awards: Kogi gov. to host Nollywood stars as Denrele lead others to Lokoja
“As a result, it came as no small shock to us to read wild social media tales that he was beaten by some students and that he specifically mentioned some names.
“We immediately commenced investigations and invited the students allegedly mentioned for interview. His guardian was also present during the interviews, which revealed that nothing of such happened.
“The whole incident was strange and unbelievable because:
- The school has effective anti-bullying policies and consequences are well spelt out to all the students.
- The preliminary investigation showed that there was no fighting, bullying or any form of attack on the boy.
- He made no such reports, neither to his sister who is also a student or any other students, prefects, house parents, medical staff or any of the management staff.
- The school has two regular nurses and a qualified medical doctor that promptly attend to students’ medical needs.
- The resident doctor followed the laid down procedure by inviting his mother to take him home for further treatment after initial treatment by the school’s medical staff.”
The school also said it has a very cordial relationship with the family as Sylvester was the fifth child of the family Dowen College has the privilege to train, including his elder sister who is currently a student at the school.
“Furthermore, we state categorically Dowen College is built on core values of godliness and excellence and will not tolerate any acts of cultism, which is why there is nothing like that and there has never been such deviant activities going on, as this is a faith-based school and effective policies are in place to prevent such occurrence.”
The school also said it has a cherished legacy of character and learning which has endured for more than 25 years.
“We are deeply saddened by the death of this young man who was a dearly beloved student of the school. We extend our deepest sympathy and heart-felt condolences to his beloved family, relatives, friends, classmates and the alumni family at this very difficult time.”
