Essence International School Founder Dolores Mohammed Dies at 80

Dolores Lami Mohammed, the founder of Essence International School, died at the age of 80 on February 13, 2026, in Philadelphia, United States. Born Dolores Wilson on November 7, 1945, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from West Chester University in 1967.

After relocating to Nigeria in 1970, she dedicated nearly 45 years to developing the education sector. In 1982, she established Essence International School in Kaduna, which grew to serve 1,000 students and employed 200 teachers.

Mohammed was recognized for her passion for education and her vision to transform private education in Kaduna State. She served as a curriculum supervisor at the Lebanese Community School in Lagos from 1977 to 1982 and worked as an educational consultant in Philadelphia.

Her initiatives included literacy programs and teacher training. She received the Chevalier de Palm Académie from the French government in 1995 and was honored as a member of the French Republic in 2001.

She is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, and extended family, with funeral arrangements to be announced.