These best public secondary schools in Lagos State offer good teaching, steady routines, moral values, qualified teachers, and friendly environment. Some have hostels. Many prepare students for WAEC, NECO, and even international exams.
Lagos is a busy city. Parents want schools that guide children and keep them safe that’s why we’ve carefully researched and made this post just for you. Here, you will see the top best public secondary schools in Lagos State. You’ll also learn about their admission, school types, and what to check before choosing.
Check Also: Top 10 Best Secondary Schools in Lagos State
What counts as a public secondary school in Lagos?
Public schools are owned by the government. There are two main types you will see:
- Federal Unity Colleges: Managed by the Federal Government. They admit students from across Nigeria.
- Lagos State Schools: Managed by the Lagos State Government. These include Model Colleges and Senior High/Grammar Schools.
All are government schools.
Fees are subsidized. Focus is on access, learning, and character.
How Public Schools in Lagos admissions usually work?
Admission depends on the school type. Here is what most families do:
- Federal Unity Colleges: Sit for the national entrance exam for Unity Schools. Merit and catchment rules apply.
- Lagos State Schools: Register for the Lagos State entrance exam. Placement is based on performance and available spaces.
Always check the latest guidelines from the school or the appropriate education board before you apply.
See Also: Top 11 Best Boarding Schools in Lagos State
Top 13 Best Public Secondary Schools in Lagos State
Here’s the list of the top best public secondary schools in Lagos State to enroll your child in this new academic session:
1. King’s College, Lagos Island
- Type: Federal Unity College, boys. Location: Lagos Island. Day/Boarding: Day and boarding.
King’s College has a good record of grooming boys who lead and serve. Here, students get close guidance in academics, sports, and clubs.
Also, the school encourages neat conduct, clear speech, and steady study habits. Graduates often do well in national exams and gain entry into good universities.
2. Queen’s College, Yaba
- Type: Federal Unity College, girls.
- Location: Yaba.
- Day/Boarding: Boarding and day options available. Website
Queen’s College focuses on building confidence and academic growth for girls. Teachers push for good results while keeping an eye on values and personal care. They have clubs, sports, and volunteer groups which help students learn teamwork and leadership.
3. Federal Government College, Ijanikin
- Type: Federal Unity College, co-educational.
- Location: Ijanikin, Ojo axis.
- Day/Boarding: Day and boarding in many sessions.
FGC Ijanikin admits students from many states. That mix helps children learn tolerance and social skills.
Facilities support science, arts, and sports.
Students build daily study routines and prepare early for WAEC and NECO.
4. Federal Science and Technical College, Yaba
- Type: Federal technical college, co-educational.
- Location: Yaba.
- Day/Boarding: Day; limited hostel arrangements may apply in some years.
This school suits learners who enjoy practical work. There are technical subjects alongside core subjects.
Students pick up hands-on skills that help in future polytechnic and university courses.
It’s a good path for young people who like to build, design, and fix.
5. Lagos State Model College, Kankon (Badagry)
- Type: Lagos State Model College, co-educational.
- Location: Kankon, Badagry.
- Day/Boarding: Primarily boarding.
Model Colleges are known for steady routines, offers a calm setting for focused study.
House parents watch over students, while teachers give after-school prep.
Clubs and sports add balance to school life.
6. Lagos State Model College, Meiran
- Type: Lagos State Model College, co-educational.
- Location: Meiran, Ifako-Ijaiye axis.
- Day/Boarding: Primarily boarding.
Meiran draws students who want a firm study culture. There’s morning and evening preps which help students revise. Meanwhile, you will find debate, press club, JETS, and cultural groups. The school teaches neatness, punctuality, and respect.
7. Lagos State Model College, Igbonla (Epe)
- Type: Lagos State Model College, co-educational.
- Location: Igbonla, Epe.
- Day/Boarding: Only Boarding.
Igbonla sits in a quiet area, which helps students focus on their studies.
Students learn to manage time, keep tidy rooms, and plan their reading.
Teachers encourage strong notes and past-question practice. Additionally, students enjoy sports and entrepreneurship clubs which add life skills.
8. Lagos State Model College, Igbokuta (Ikorodu)
- Type: Lagos State Model College, co-educational.
- Location: Igbokuta, Ikorodu.
- Day/Boarding: Boarding.
Igbokuta promotes discipline and teamwork. Students get guidance on study goals each term.
There is attention to science labs and language practice. Peer mentoring is common, so juniors get help from seniors.
9. Lagos State Model College, Agbowa-Ikosi
- Type: Lagos State Model College, Mixed.
- Location: Agbowa-Ikosi, Epe Division.
- Day/Boarding: Primarily boarding.
Agbowa-Ikosi encourages neat handwriting, tidy notes, and timely homework.
The school supports teachers with revision plans for exam classes.
Sports, drama, and cultural days keep school life lively and balanced.
10. Lagos State Model College, Badore (Eti-Osa)
- Type: Lagos State Model College, co-educational.
- Location: Badore, Ajah axis.
- Day/Boarding: Boarding.
Badore offers a homely boarding set-up with prep times and regular checks. Students learn planning skills and how to meet deadlines.
Clubs help them build confidence in public speaking and teamwork.
11. Government College Lagos, Surulere
- Type: Lagos State school (boys).
- Location: Surulere axis.
- Day/Boarding: Mostly day.
Government College Lagos is a name many parents know.
It focuses on neat conduct, study habits, and steady writing practice.
Students take part in inter-house sports and quiz contests.
Old boys networks often mentor younger students.
12. Lagos State Senior High School, Ikeja
- Type: Lagos State Senior High, co-educational.
- Location: Ikeja.
- Day/Boarding: Day.
This school serves families who want a day school close to the city’s business hub.
Teachers drill past questions and guide exam classes.
Students join clubs that build confidence and practical skills.
13. Lagos State Senior Model College, Ketu-Epe
- Type: Lagos State Senior Model College, (boys & girls).
- Location: Ketu area of Epe.
- Day/Boarding: Boarding Only.
Ketu-Epe is one of the best public secondary schools in Lagos State, it stresses quiet reading, note-taking, and exam practice.
Students learn to plan their week and keep goals for each subject.
House staff promote tidy rooms and calm prep times.
Check Also: Top 10 Best Secondary Schools in Nigeria
Why these schools stand out
These best public secondary schools in Lagos State stand out because they focus on the basics that matter. Students follow clear timetables.
Teachers use past papers. There is attention to handwriting, note-keeping, and neat work. Sports and clubs keep children active and social. Many schools also push leadership through prefect roles and volunteer groups.
Key things to check before you choose
- Distance and commute: Long journeys can drain energy. A closer school helps daily routines.
- Day or boarding: Some children thrive in hostels. Others do better at home. Pick what fits your child.
- Study support: Ask about morning and evening preps, clinics for difficult subjects, and revision plans.
- Discipline and welfare: Ask how the school handles bullying, lateness, and general conduct.
- Clubs and sports: Ask for the list. Look for options your child will enjoy.
- Facilities: Functional science labs, ICT rooms, libraries, and playing fields make a real difference.
- Exam results: Check recent trends in WAEC and NECO performance if available.
Fees for the Best public Secondary schools in Lagos State
Public schools charge far less than private schools. You will still plan for uniforms, books, sports kits, and exam fees. If the school has hostels, budget for boarding needs like bedding and provisions. Always ask the school for a clear list before you pay.
How to prepare your child for success
Keep study simple and steady. A quiet corner at home helps. Make a short daily plan: reading, exercises, and review. Practice past questions early.
Furthermore, encourage sleep, healthy meals, and light exercise. Speak with teachers when you notice gaps. Small steps every day beat last-minute cramming.
Read Also: Top 10 Best Private Secondary Schools in Abuja
FAQs for the Top Best Public Secondary Schools in Lagos State
1Q. Are public secondary schools in Lagos good enough?
Yes. With the right study habits and family support, students do very well. Many gain admission to great universities.
Q2. Do public schools in Lagos have hostels?
Some do. Model Colleges often run boarding. Federal Unity Colleges also provide hostels in many sessions. Day schools usually do not have hostels.
Q3. How early should I register for entrance exams?
Do not wait. Register as soon as the forms are announced. Start revision months before the exam date.
Q4. Can my child switch from private to public school?
Yes. Ask about transfer windows, placement tests, and required documents. Keep previous report cards and a transfer letter handy.
Q5. What habits help children thrive in these schools?
Daily reading. Neat notes. Asking questions in class. Joining a club or sport. Sleeping well and eating right.
Final Thoughts
Public secondary schools in Lagos give children a real chance to learn, grow, and lead. Pick a school that fits your child’s needs. Look at distance, boarding, study support, and welfare.
Visit if you can. Ask questions. A calm environment and steady routines make a big difference in your child’s learning.
Thankfully, you now have a clear list of the top best public secondary schools in Lagos State and a simple plan to make it easier for you. Now choose with confidence, and help your child build good habits from day one.
Note that most public secondary schools in Lagos State don’t have official individual websites like private schools do. Instead, they’re managed under the Lagos State Ministry of Education, and their information is usually found on the government official education portal or via the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board( LASUBEB).
So for admission details, fees, and school updates are mostly handled offline, through the school directly or via the ministry. Hence for more information on public schools in Lagos State, parents can visit the Lagos State Ministry of Education website
Good luck!
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