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Dowen College Lagos

Nigeria, Lagos

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees NGN 1,250,000 - 2,105,000
Ages 10 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 440
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 1997
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages English, French, Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa
Typical class size 7
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Secondary School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction

Dowen College Lagos is a private, co‑educational secondary school in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, offering both day and boarding facilities. It teaches Nigerian and British curricula: the Nigerian programme leads to BECE (NECO), Cambridge Checkpoint is taken in Year 9, and in Senior School students sit the WASSCE and IGCSE in Year 12. The school serves students aged roughly 10 to 18. Dowen has British Council accreditation for developing the International Dimension in the Curriculum, has participated in the International School Award, and received an Award of Excellence from the British Council in January 2023. Facilities include a multipurpose court, a well‑maintained swimming pool, an Ultra‑modern Library with over 3,000 titles, air‑conditioned classrooms, and laboratories for Basic Science, Basic Technology, Agric Science, ICT, Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Technical Drawing; the ICT Laboratory offers unlimited internet. On‑site sick bays, boarding options, and access to Lifeline Children's Hospital nearby support wellbeing. The school prepares students for external exams (SAT, TOEFL, IELTS) and operates an internal scholarship scheme with high entrance scores and term averages, with strong tertiary education progression.

The Essentials

Dowen College Lagos has 440 pupils, typical class sizes of 7, instruction in English.

Location
No. 18, Adebayo Doherty Road, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, Nigeria. Lekki Phase 1 is a residential and commercial area in Lagos. Dowen College Lagos is accessible by bus services for day students.

Stages
Junior School; Senior School

Type
Private, co-educational secondary school offering both day and boarding facilities

Additional learning support
Remedial lessons; Mathematics clinic; Hostel tutorials

Country affiliation
Nigeria

Bus service
Bus services are available for day students at a token fee; staff have free bus services
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Dowen College Lagos provides a state-of-the-art boarding facility with secure housing and capable hostel parents. Boarding students have access to sports facilities including a swimming pool, basketball, lawn tennis, table-tennis and badminton, with separate fully air-conditioned common rooms for boys and girls. Weekly boarding is available, with tutorials and weekend prep classes supervised by house parents; a resident nurse attends to health issues and there are Sunday church services and Friday mosque visits.

Uniform Requirement
Dowen College Lagos requires a formal school uniform for both boys and girls, including a blazer (regular and ceremonial), white shirts (short and long sleeve), a blue shirt, blue trousers for boys and blue skirts for girls, a grey ceremonial option, a school tie, stockings, sports wear, a lab coat and an apron. Girls wear a boater; religious attire is not allowed. Uniforms are regulated and must be neat, and uniforms are readily available on the school premises.

Food Options
Lunch is provided for all students.

Governance and Ownership
Dowen College Lagos is governed by a Board of Governors. The leadership includes the Principal/Head of School and a senior management team, including a Vice Principal and Directors for Finance & Administration and Studies.
Fees

Annual tuition at Dowen College Lagos ranges from NGN 1,250,000 to NGN 2,105,000 for 2026/27.

Application & Admission Fees

- Application form (one-off): ₦15,000.

Tuition fees (by student type) — per academic session and per term

- Day students (secondary): typical reported range per academic session (three terms) is approximately ₦1,250,000 to ₦1,350,000; this equates to roughly ₦416,000 to ₦450,000 per term.

- Boarding students (secondary, weekly/term boarding options available): typical reported figure per academic session is approximately ₦2,000,000; this equates to roughly ₦666,000 per term.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Fees are billed on a termly/session basis and termly payment is accepted. Parents may pay per term.

- Standard schedule: the academic session is split into three terms; the session total for tuition is normally payable either in full for the session or in three termly instalments according to the school's billing plan.

Boarding fees and boarding-related amounts

- Boarding tuition is charged in addition to the day tuition and is commonly reported around ₦2,000,000 per session for boarding students.

- Boarding supplies and pocket/grooming amounts expected on return to hostel: pocket money per term ₦20,000 and grooming (hair plaiting/hair cut) ₦10,000 per term. A complete list of items required for boarders (uniform sets, sportswear, bedding, toiletries, etc.) is provided to parents.

Other costs and recurring charges

- What the main fee covers: tuition, feeding, books, uniform and development levies (these items are listed as covered by the school fee package).

- Uniforms: a complete uniform set is required for boarders and uniforms are available on the school premises; parents should budget for additional uniform items beyond the number supplied with initial fees.

- Examination and assessment charges: examination-related fees (external exam registration or specific assessment fees) are commonly charged in addition to the basic tuition by secondary schools and are reported as additional to the tuition figure. Budget for separate exam or assessment fees.

- Sibling discount: a sibling discount for second and subsequent children has been reported in published fee summaries (commonly a percentage discount on tuition).

Refunds and fee cancellations

- No explicit, detailed public refund policy for tuition, acceptance or development levies is published alongside the admissions/fees information that lists application and tuition items. Parents should note that application fees are charged as part of the admissions process.

Fee payment options and accepted methods

- Payments are normally made to the school's designated bank accounts or approved collection points; termly and session payments are accepted. Parents should prepare to pay by bank transfer/deposit to designated accounts or other bank-based payment methods as instructed by the school.

- Other commonly used payment channels in comparable Lagos private schools include bank deposit/transfer and in-person payments at the school's finance office; request and use the school's official payment instructions when completing payments.

Summary notes for parents

- Application form: ₦15,000 (one-off). Termly payment is accepted. Tuition figures for secondary-day students are typically around ₦1,250,000–₦1,350,000 per session (about one-third per term). Boarding tuition is commonly reported near ₦2,000,000 per session with additional boarding pocket/grooming allowances (₦20,000 and ₦10,000 per term respectively). Budget additionally for uniforms, books and any external examination fees.
Academics

Dowen College Lagos teaches British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 10 to 18.

Curriculum
Dowen College Lagos runs both the Nigerian and British curricula. The Nigerian programme leads to the BECE (Basic Education Certificate Examination) organized by NECO; Cambridge Checkpoint is taken in Year 9 (JS3). In Senior School, students sit the WASSCE and the IGCSE in Year 12. The curriculum covers a broad range of subjects and includes English Language and French Language. Tutorials and prep work consolidate learning, with registration for external examinations such as SAT, TOEFL and IELTS.

Student Teacher Ratio
7:1

Higher Education Progression
An alumnus, Buraimoh Obaseyi Daniel (Class of 2010), is noted as the first Nigerian to graduate with a First Class Degree in Computer Science at San Francisco University, U.S.A.

Gifted and Talented
Dowen College Lagos offers scholarship schemes that currently cover over 10% of the student population. The Dowen College Scholarship Scheme provides a full tuition scholarship for new entrants achieving an average of 90% or higher on entrance; existing students with 90%+ per term may qualify for a full scholarship in the next session. The Diocesan/ADEMOWO Scholarship Scheme and the Cathedral Church Scholarship grant 100% full scholarships to qualified candidates (two annual for the Lagos Dioceses; a cathedral choir member, respectively).
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school maintains a Safe & Supportive Environment with a Zero Tolerance policy for bullying, harassment, or discrimination. Clear procedures exist for reporting and resolving concerns. An Anti-Bullying Policy defines bullying and outlines reporting, investigation, and sanctions. A Sexual Harassment Policy prohibits harassment and includes reporting and disciplinary actions. Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy applies to all staff, management, governors, volunteers, students, and parents/guardians; a designated Child Protection Representative is the school counsellor Ms. Yinka-Babalola. Health and First Aid Policy provides health management and first aid procedures on and off school premises, with a school doctor supporting health plans and medical procedures.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English Language is offered as a subject. French Language is offered as a subject. Yoruba Language, Igbo Language, and Hausa Language are offered.

Mental Wellbeing
Ms. Yinka-Babalola is the school counsellor and the designated Child Protection Representative. The Health and First Aid Policy provides health management and first aid, with a school doctor available to support health plans. The school doctor liaises with parents, staff, and health professionals and maintains medical records.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy protects and promotes the welfare of every child. Policy applies to all staff, management, governors, volunteers, students, and parents/guardians. Core Principles include that the child's welfare is paramount, equal protection for all, and partnership with families and agencies. Types of abuse include physical, sexual, emotional abuse, and neglect. A designated Child Protection Representative is Ms. Yinka-Babalola, the school counsellor. Handling suspected abuse requires reporting to senior management and authorities; the school provides information and support. Legal framework includes UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, Lagos State Child's Rights Law, and related instruments.
Parent Experience

History
The school was founded on 6 October 1997 and is located at No. 18, Adebayo Doherty Road, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, Nigeria. Dowen College Lagos is a co-educational secondary school offering both day and boarding facilities and teaching both the Nigerian and British curricula. The school has earned international recognition, including accreditation by the British Council for developing the International Dimension in the Curriculum. It participated in the International School Award and received an Award of Excellence from the British Council on January 27, 2023.

Community
The Dowen College Lagos community offers a broad range of co-curricular activities including clubs such as Mathematics Club, Charity Club, Chess, Drama, Home Makers, and Choir, along with sports. Students undertake community service such as traffic control, work with the Mother Less Babies Home, and peer tutoring at neighboring public schools. The library is well-stocked and classrooms are equipped with projectors and ICT resources, supporting learning in a collaborative environment. Parents engage through an open door policy and structured engagement programmes, including a termly Parent's Forum and Open Days.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The school has a Parent's Partnership that provides a Parent's Forum each term, Open Day twice each term, Weekly Newsletters, and Homework Diaries to keep parents informed and involved. The open door policy enables parents to meet with management staff at any time to discuss pertinent issues. There is a dedicatedParent's Forum, Open Days, and regular communication to support collaboration among parents, staff, and students.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Dowen College Lagos is equipped with modern teaching and learning facilities of international standard. A multipurpose court supports sports such as swimming, soccer, handball, basketball, athletics, table-tennis, lawn-tennis and rugby, with contracted coaches and opportunities for external competitions. A well-maintained swimming pool is available for recreation and life-saving skills. The Ultra-modern Library is well-stocked with over 3000 titles, internet facilities, and a computerized catalogue. Laboratories include Basic Science, Basic Technology, Agric Science, ICT, Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Technical Drawing; classrooms are fully air-conditioned with teaching aids and an ICT Laboratory is equipped with modern computers and unlimited internet.

Sports Facilities
Dowen College Lagos has a well-equipped sports unit supporting swimming, soccer, handball, basketball, athletics, table-tennis, lawn-tennis and rugby. The Multipurpose Court serves as a central venue for these activities. Coaches are contracted to assist Physical Education teachers in each sport, and students partake in external competitions with like-minded institutions. The program emphasizes active participation in inter-school events to foster teamwork and fitness.

Academic Facilities
Dowen College Lagos has a broad set of science and ICT facilities. There are Basic Science, Basic Technology, Agric Science, ICT, Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Technical Drawing laboratories. Classrooms are fully air-conditioned with adequate teaching aids to facilitate learning and accommodate various learning styles. The ICT Laboratory is fully equipped with modern computer systems and unlimited internet access for research and ICT skill development.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Art and Craft Centre offers pottery, sculpture and modelling; Cultural Activities include events such as Fashion Parade and grooming. Clubs include Literary/Debating Society, Press Club, Drama Club, French Club and Math Club. Together (Mentoring and Networking) provides school-based mentoring to support student development. Educational Tours provide termly educational and leisure visits to places of interest nationwide, with foreign visits arranged from time to time.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Dowen College Lagos runs both Nigerian and British curricula, culminating in BECE and Checkpoint in Year 9, and WASSCE and IGCSE in Year 12. A tutorial system consolidates learning across subjects, supported by remedial and clinic programmes. The school operates an internal scholarship scheme where entrance scores of 90% or higher and 90% averages over three terms can secure full scholarships in the next session. External examination results are strong, with high achievement and many alumni progressing to tertiary education.

Arts & Creative
The arts are central to Dowen College's culture. The school has a choir and orchestra, a brigade band, and a steel pan band, along with regular in-house drama and participation in art competitions.

Cultural & Language
Dowen College emphasises culture and language development through language-related clubs and speaking activities. Students are encouraged to join the press club, fortnite spelling bee activities, remedial English classes, and public speaking activities like debates. Cultural activities are also part of the co-curricular programme.

Social & Hobbies
Co-curricular activities include sports such as football, basketball, swimming, tennis, table tennis, rugby, and athletics, as well as clubs like Charity Club, Chess Club, Drama, Art, Home Makers, and Choir.

Community & Service
Students participate in community service, including activities in traffic control, Mother Less Babies Home, peer tutoring at neighboring public schools, and road construction.

Leadership & Professional
Academic Assembly recognises top students with merit certificates and academic excellence awards, reinforcing a culture of achievement. The school runs internal scholarship schemes and reports strong external examination results (WASSCE/IGCSE) with high tertiary education outcomes.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Dowen provides health and wellbeing facilities such as sick bays with an on-site doctor and two nurses, and Lifeline Children's Hospital access nearby. The school offers boarding for students, a swimming pool, and a multi-purpose court, plus a well-stocked library. Counseling and career counseling services are available to support students' well-being and plans for the future.
Languages

Language Provision
Dowen College Lagos runs both the Nigerian and British curricula. English Language and French Language are offered as subjects. Yoruba / Igbo / Hausa Language is offered. The curriculum culminates in the BECE (NECO) and Cambridge Checkpoint in Year 9, and in the WASSCE and IGCSE in Year 12.
Admissions

Admissions
Enrollment is a four-step process: Registration, Requirements, Confirmation of Acceptance, and Withdrawal Policy. Registration: Admission forms are obtainable at the Admissions Office; entrants must be ten years old in the year of admission; entry into other classes (Year 8 and 9 or Senior Secondary School) is also available. Requirements: Completed admission forms should be returned with two passport-sized photographs, one photocopy of birth certificate, and one photocopy of the last term school result; candidates cleared by the Admission Office will sit for an entrance examination at the College and designated centres nationwide; transfer candidates sit for an entrance examination appropriate to their level; final admission offers are based on examination performance and reports from previous schools. Confirmation of Acceptance: Parents of successful candidates must confirm admission by paying a non-refundable deposit to Fidelity Bank (account 4011232729, DOWEN COLLEGE); deferral option exists—candidates who wish to defer admission must notify the school in writing and maintain their place by paying the non-refundable deposit. Withdrawal Policy: A term's notice or payment of one term's fees in lieu of notice is required before withdrawal; failure to comply will result in the withholding of transcripts or transfer certificates. Entrance Examinations: Entry for Year 7 is via an entrance examination conducted at the College and designated centres across the country; the Dowen College Entry Package (Admission Form, past question booklet, and prospectus) can be purchased at the Admissions Office or at listed centers in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Warri, and Eket.

Scholarships
Dowen College has over 10% of its population on scholarships. Dowen College Scholarship Scheme offers a full tuition scholarship for new students who achieve an average of 90% at the entrance examination, and for existing students who maintain an average of 90%+ each term, eligibility for a full scholarship in the next session. Diocesan/ADEMOWO Scholarship Scheme awards two 100% full scholarships annually to qualified candidates from the Lagos Dioceses (Anglican Communion) – Lagos, Lagos Mainland, Lagos West. Cathedral Church Scholarship provides a 100% full scholarship to a qualified member of the Diocese of Lagos Cathedral Church Choir each session.
School Events
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