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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

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.

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.

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