Lagos State sealed Dowen College over alleged improper waste disposal, citing violations of environmental laws.
Officials said the school will remain closed until full compliance with waste management regulations is proven.
The Lagos State Government has sealed Dowen College, a prominent private secondary school located in Lekki, over allegations of improper waste disposal.
The closure was announced by the State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, who shared the news via his official X account. Wahab also posted a video purportedly showing two members of the school’s staff indiscriminately discarding waste, an act which he said contravenes environmental protection laws in Lagos.
According to Wahab, the enforcement exercise is part of the state government’s broader zero-tolerance policy on environmental infractions, especially when committed by institutions expected to serve as examples in their communities. “We cannot afford to ignore such violations,” he stated, noting that improper waste disposal not only degrades the environment but also poses serious public health risks.
The Lagos State Government has, in recent years, intensified efforts to improve sanitation and environmental compliance across the city. Through agencies such as the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), the government regularly monitors compliance with waste management and pollution control regulations.
Schools, businesses, and residential estates are required to properly bag and channel their waste to approved collection points or engage licensed waste service providers. Indiscriminate dumping, whether in drains, open spaces, or unauthorized sites, is prohibited under the state’s environmental laws, with penalties ranging from fines to closure of premises.
Dowen College, one of the city’s most well-known private schools, has in the past drawn national attention for unrelated controversies. Many Lagos residents have argued that prominent schools should set a higher standard for environmental compliance, particularly as they often have greater access to resources for proper waste management.
Others have welcomed the government’s action as a reminder that environmental laws apply equally to all, regardless of status or reputation. “If a school of this calibre can be shut down for waste dumping, it sends a strong message to everyone else,” one user commented on social media.
The Commissioner stated that Dowen College will remain sealed until investigations are concluded and the school demonstrates full compliance with environmental regulations. This will likely include proving that waste disposal processes have been corrected and that staff have undergone environmental compliance training.
Environmental experts note that such closures, though disruptive, can serve as a turning point for institutions to adopt better waste management systems. “Schools have a duty to educate not just through the classroom but by example,” one environmental policy analyst said.
Lagos, Africa’s most populous city, faces significant environmental challenges, including flooding, waste disposal inefficiencies, and drainage blockages caused by littering. The state government has repeatedly stressed that effective waste management is critical to public health and the prevention of environmental hazards.
Wahab reiterated that the government will continue to enforce environmental laws without fear or favour. “This is not about targeting any particular institution,” he said. “It’s about protecting our environment and ensuring that everyone plays their part.”
For now, Dowen College’s gates remain locked, a high-profile reminder that in Lagos, environmental compliance is not optional.
