For decades, wealthy Nigerian families have sent their children to prestigious British boarding schools to receive a world-class education. Now, some of these institutions are setting up campuses in Nigeria, offering students the best of both worlds British academic excellence without leaving home.
Schools like Charterhouse, Rugby School, Millfield, Wellington School, and Harrow are all exploring opportunities in Nigeria. Charterhouse has already launched a primary school in Lagos, with a secondary school set to open in September. Rugby School will also begin offering secondary education the same month.
This expansion caters to Nigeria’s well-heeled elite, who value the British curriculum for its rigor, prestige, and global opportunities. Many parents, like British-Nigerian management consultant Karima Oyede, welcome the change. “Having the opportunity to experience the British system in his country of origin is the best of both worlds,” she says of her son’s move from Rugby in the UK to its Lagos campus.
One major factor driving this trend is cost. The steep depreciation of the naira—now at 2,200 to the British pound—has made overseas education prohibitively expensive. Additionally, the UK has imposed a 20% VAT on private school fees, further straining Nigerian families. Establishing British schools in Nigeria significantly reduces expenses while maintaining high educational standards. For example, annual fees at Charterhouse UK are around £60,000 ($78,000), whereas its Lagos counterpart charges approximately £15,000.
British schools are also adapting to Nigerian cultural expectations. Charterhouse Nigeria, for instance, refrains from displaying LGBTQ+ symbols, recognizing local sensitivities. Schools also accommodate religious practices, allowing students to attend Sunday church services with their families.
The presence of these institutions may challenge established elite schools like the British International School and The Regent School. However, with 40% of Nigeria’s 200 million population under 14, demand remains high. Experts predict this trend could extend to higher education, with British universities potentially setting up campuses in Nigeria to counter declining international enrollments due to financial constraints and stricter UK visa policies.
As Nigeria continues to evolve as an education hub, British institutions are seizing the opportunity to shape its academic landscape while securing their global presence.
