Mrs. Dolores Lami Mohammed, MFR, distinguished educator, founder of Essence International School in Kaduna, Nigeria, a native Philadelphian, and recipient of Nigeria’s national honor of Member of the Federal Republic (MFR), passed away on February 13, 2026, in Philadelphia. She was 80 years old.
Born Dolores Wilson on November 7, 1945, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she earned a B.Sc. in Education from West Chester University in 1967. In 1970, she moved to Nigeria, where she would live and work for nearly 45 years, dedicating her life to advancing educational excellence.
In 1982, she founded Essence International School in Kaduna, establishing what would grow into one of the state’s most respected private educational institutions. Under her leadership, the school expanded from a nursery program into a full pre-kindergarten through secondary institution serving over a thousand students and employing more than 200 teachers and staff. She was widely recognized for introducing modern teaching methodologies and technological innovation in the classroom.
Prior to founding Essence, Mrs. Mohammed served as Curriculum Supervisor at the Lebanese Community School in Lagos (1977–1982), where she led curriculum development and long-term academic planning. She also served as an Educational Consultant in Philadelphia, establishing early childhood educational programs.
Her commitment to education extended beyond the classroom. Through the Open Classroom, the non-profit arm of Essence International School, she launched literacy initiatives, feeding programs, teacher training programs, and school rehabilitation projects benefiting underserved communities in Kaduna and beyond. Her work reached communities in Kenya, Lesotho, Niger Republic, Brazil and the United States.
In recognition of her contributions to education, she was awarded the Chevalier des Palmes Académiques by the French Government in 1995 and Nigeria’s national honor of Member of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2001. She also received commendations from regional authorities in Niger Republic.
Mrs Mohammed was fluent in English, French, Hausa, and Spanish. She remained active in educational leadership even after returning to Philadelphia in 2014, continuing her role as Principal of Essence International School from abroad.
She was preceded in death by her husband, HRH Brig. General Abubakar Garba Mohammed (Rtd.), Emir of Lere.
She is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, her brother and extended family in the United States and Nigeria.
Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family.
