Best Top 20 Schools in Nigeria (2025 Guide)
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Best Top 20 Schools in Nigeria (2025 Guide)
A parent-friendly hub to compare Nigeria’s leading schools, understand admission timelines, shortlist the right options, and track fees, curricula, and outcomes—all in one place.
Quick picks (at a glance)
- Best for academics: Loyola Jesuit College (Abuja)
- Best international programme (IB): American International School of Lagos (VI)
- Best value (public): Queen’s College (Yaba, Lagos)
- Best boarding experience: Atlantic Hall (Epe, Lagos)
Jump to:
- Nigeria school landscape (overview)
- Ranking methodology
- Top 20 shortlist (table)
- How to choose
- Admissions timeline
- Costs & scholarships
- FAQ
- More guides
Nigeria school landscape (overview)
Nigeria offers a wide range of schooling—from high-performing public unity schools to private day and boarding schools offering national (WAEC/NECO) and international pathways (IGCSE/IB/A-Levels/AP). Large metros like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt feature the greatest choice, with growing options in regional hubs.
Ranking methodology
This list prioritises schools that balance strong academics with student wellbeing and post-school outcomes.
- Academic performance: external exams, university placements, progress over time.
- Curriculum breadth: national and/or international options; co-curricular depth.
- Student support: counselling, SEN provision, safeguarding culture.
- Teaching & facilities: staff experience, labs, arts, sports, boarding quality.
- Community & values: inclusivity, parent satisfaction, governance, transparency.
- Value for money: fees vs outcomes; scholarships and financial aid.
- Consistency: multi-year performance, not one-off results.
Top 20 shortlist (2025)
| Rank | School name | City / State | Type | Level | Curriculum | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Loyola Jesuit College | Abuja, FCT | Private • Boarding | Secondary | WAEC • NECO | Visit |
| 2 | Atlantic Hall | Epe, Lagos | Private • Boarding | Secondary | IGCSE • WAEC | Visit |
| 3 | British International School Lagos (BIS) | Victoria Island, Lagos | Private • Day/Boarding | Secondary | IGCSE • A-Levels | Visit |
| 4 | Day Waterman College (DWC) | Abeokuta, Ogun | Private • Boarding | Secondary | IGCSE • WAEC (blended NG/UK) | Visit |
| 5 | Corona Secondary School (Agbara) | Agbara, Ogun | Private • Boarding | Secondary | WAEC • IGCSE | Visit |
| 6 | Grange School | Ikeja, Lagos | Private • Day/Boarding | Primary/Secondary | British • IGCSE | Visit |
| 7 | Greensprings School (Sixth Form IB) | Lagos (Lekki/Anthony) | Private • Day/Boarding | K–12 | British • IGCSE • IB DP | Visit |
| 8 | American International School of Lagos (AISL) | Victoria Island, Lagos | Private • Day | High School | US • IB DP | Visit |
| 9 | Hillcrest School | Jos, Plateau | Private • Day/Boarding (hostels) | K–12 | US • AP | Visit |
| 10 | Olashore International School | Iloko-Ijesa, Osun | Private • Boarding | Secondary | WAEC • IGCSE | Visit |
| 11 | Lekki British School | Lekki, Lagos | Private • Day/Boarding | Primary/Secondary | IGCSE • AS/A-Levels | Visit |
| 12 | International Community School (ICS) Abuja | Abuja, FCT | Private • Day/Boarding | K–12 | US • IGCSE • A-Levels/AP | Visit |
| 13 | The Regent Secondary School | Abuja, FCT | Private • Day/Boarding | Secondary | British • IGCSE (A-Levels at Regent College) | Visit |
| 14 | Nigerian Tulip International Colleges (NTIC) | Abuja/Lagos (multi-campus) | Private • Day/Boarding | Primary/Secondary | Nigerian • IGCSE • SAT | Visit |
| 15 | Charles Dale Memorial International School | Port Harcourt, Rivers | Private • Boarding | Secondary | WAEC • IGCSE | Visit |
| 16 | Brookstone School Secondary | Port Harcourt, Rivers | Private • Day/Boarding | Secondary | IGCSE • WAEC | Visit |
| 17 | Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls | Ikeja, Lagos | Private • Girls | Secondary | WAEC • IGCSE | Visit |
| 18 | Rainbow College (Day & Boarding) | Lagos (Surulere/Maba) | Private • Day/Boarding | Secondary | WAEC • IGCSE | Visit |
| 19 | St. Francis Catholic Secondary School (Jesuit) | Idimu, Lagos | Private • Day | Secondary | WAEC • NECO | Visit |
| 20 | Queen’s College, Lagos | Yaba, Lagos | Public • Girls • Day/Boarding | Secondary | WAEC • NECO | Visit |
How to choose (fast checklist)
- Define the pathway: WAEC/NECO vs IGCSE/IB/A-Levels/AP.
- Boarding vs day; commute time; transport safety.
- Academic support: track record with external exams; SEN provision.
- Facilities that match your child’s interests (STEM, arts, sports).
- Pastoral care & safeguarding: policies, counsellors, supervision.
- Fees vs outcomes: aid/scholarships, alumni placements, results consistency.
Admissions timeline (typical)
Sep–Nov: Open days & enquiries · Dec–Jan: Entrance tests/interviews · Feb–Mar: Offers & deposits · Apr–May: Visa/logistics for internationals · Aug–Sep: Term start.
Dates vary by school—always confirm with the registrar before committing to travel or payments.
Costs & scholarships (guide)
Indicative ranges; verify with each school’s bursar.
| Fee type | Day (per term) | Boarding (per term) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | ₦X–₦Y | ₦X–₦Y + boarding | Ranges vary by city/curriculum. |
| Application & testing | ₦— | ₦— | Non-refundable at most schools. |
Tip: Ask about merit/need-based scholarships, sibling discounts, and payment plans (termly vs annual).
FAQ
What’s the difference between WAEC/NECO and IGCSE/IB?
WAEC/NECO are national exams widely used for Nigerian university entry; IGCSE/IB/A-Levels are international pathways often preferred for overseas universities. Many top schools offer dual options.
Are boarding schools safer or better than day schools?
Neither is automatically “better.” Evaluate safeguarding systems, supervision ratios, medical facilities, and pastoral care. Visit dorms and speak with house parents.
Do schools require entrance tests?
Most selective schools test English and mathematics; some add reasoning or science. International tracks may require additional assessments or prior results.