When it comes to quality education in Nigeria, secondary school is one of the most important stages in a child’s life. This is where students build not just their academic foundation but also life skills, confidence, and character.
Parents in Nigeria understand this, which is why finding the best secondary school in Nigeria has become a top priority. But with so many options available, from international schools to top private and missionary schools, choosing the right one can be tough.
That’s why in this guide, I’ve carefully researched and selected the top 13 best secondary schools in Nigeria, schools that consistently deliver excellent results, have world-class facilities, and prepare students for both national and international opportunities. Plus, I’ll also reveal their tuition fees and contact info.
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Top 13 Best Secondary Schools in Nigeria 2025 Update
Below are the list of best secondary schools in Nigeria to enroll your child in this new academic session:
1. Loyola Jesuit College, Abuja
- Address: Gidan Mangoro, Karu-Karshi Road, Abuja, Nigeria
- Tuition Fees: ₦1.5 million – ₦2.8 million per year
- Website: Visit School
Loyola Jesuit College is the first on our list of the top best secondary schools in Nigeria. It’s a boarding school with modern facilities, good academic record, qualified teachers, and a serene learning environment.
Founded in 1996 by the Society of Jesus, this Catholic school has produced some of the best WAEC and NECO results in the country with the aim to embed moral upbringing, leadership training, and ensuring students excel both academically and otherwise.
2. The American International School, Lagos
- Address: 3 & 4, Glover Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria
- Tuition Fees: ₦5 million – ₦6 million per year
- Website: Visit School
If you’re a parent looking for an international education system to enroll your child, then this is the right school for you. It follows the American curriculum, has functional science labs, sports facilities, and arts programs.
In American International School, students graduate ready to attend top universities abroad, and the school’s multicultural environment prepares them for life even after school.
3. Corona Secondary School, Agbara
- Address: Agbara-Otta Road, Agbara, Ogun State, Nigeria.
- Tuition Fees: ₦2 million – ₦3 million per year
- Website: Visit School
Corona is a big name in Nigerian education sector. This school has the best record for nurturing creativity, leadership, and academic excellence in students.
Meanwhile, it combines the Nigerian and British curricula to prepare students for WAEC, IGCSE, and SAT exams. And its involvement in extracurricular activities such as debating, robotics, and sports makes it a top choice for child development.
4. Grange School, Lago
- Address: Harold Shodipo Crescent, GRA Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria
- Tuition Fees: ₦4 million – ₦5 million per year
- Website: Visit School
Grange School offers a purely British curriculum and is one of the few schools in Nigeria accredited by the UK Independent Schools Inspectorate.
In this school, students enjoy small class sizes teaching, one-on-one learning, and first-class boarding facilities. Also, the school’s active university counseling program helps graduates gain admission to outstanding universities worldwide.
5. Christ the King College, Onitsha
- Address: CKC Road, Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria
- Tuition Fees: ₦250,000 – ₦400,000 per year
- Website: Visit School
CKC is one of Nigeria’s oldest all-boys secondary schools making a good name since time immemorial. The school’s top performance WAEC and NECO result and peaceful environment has made it one of the best secondary schools in Nigeria.
Additionally, CKC has produced top leaders in politics, business, and academia. Its relatively affordable fees compared to other elite schools, hence making it a popular choice for families seeking quality at a reasonable cost.
6. Atlantic Hall School, Lagos
- Address: Epe, Lagos, Nigeria
- Tuition Fees: ₦2.5 million – ₦3.5 million per year
- Website: Visit School
Atlantic Hall is a mixed boarding school with modern-day facilities such as science and computer labs, sports arenas, and a fully equipped medical center.
It follows the Nigerian and British curricula, giving students the freedom to choose between local and international exams. Its serene environment encourages students to focus on their studies.
7. Day Waterman College, Abeokuta
- Address: KM 15, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria
- Tuition Fees: ₦3 million – ₦3.8 million per year
- Website: Visit School
Day Waterman College is designed to international standards and offers a mix of academics, sports, and arts. The school has outstanding science facilities, a large sports complex, and a focus on entrepreneurship education, giving students an early start in leadership and innovation.
Read Also: Top 10 Best Private Secondary Schools in Abuja
8. British International School, Lagos
- Address: 1 Landbridge Avenue, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria
- Tuition Fees: ₦4 million – ₦6 million per year
- Website: Visit School
This school is an excellent choice for parents who want a British curriculum education in Nigeria. BIS has good boarding houses, music and drama theaters, sports equipments, and academic excellence. It prepares students for IGCSE, A-Levels, and top university placements abroad.
9. Greensprings School, Lagos
- Address: Anthony, Lekki & Ikoyi Campuses, Lagos, Nigeria
- Tuition Fees: ₦2 million – ₦4 million per year
- Website: Visit School
Greensprings School is among the best secondary schools in Nigeria that offers standard education, adding the International Baccalaureate (IB) program with Nigerian curriculum standards. It has arts, sports, and language programs, giving students a starting point to succeed academically and otherwise.
10. Chrisland High School, Lagos
- Address: Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria
- Tuition Fees: ₦800,000 – ₦1.5 million per year
- Website: Visit School
Chrisland is one of the most popular private school brands in Nigeria. With decades of experience, the school maintains high academic standards while encouraging extracurricular activities such as tech clubs, debate, and athletics.
11. Hillcrest School, Jos
- Address: 13 Old Bukuru Road, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria
- Tuition Fees: ₦1.8 million – ₦3 million per year
- Website: Visit School
Hillcrest is a Christian international school that offers an American-style curriculum. As a private school, it has small class sizes and one-on-one teaching, and produced graduates who excel in SAT and TOEFL exams, ready for study abroad.
12. Nigerian Turkish International College (NTIC)
- Address: Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Ogun, and Yobe campuses
- Tuition Fees: ₦1.2 million – ₦2 million per year
- Website: Visit School
Nigerian Turkish International College is among the top best secondary schools in Nigeria that’s good in science and mathematics.
The school often dominates competitions like the Nigerian Mathematics Olympiad and International Science Olympiad. It offers boarding and day options across multiple campuses in Nigeria.
13. Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls, Lagos
- Address: Plot 5, Balogun Street, Billingsway, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria
- Tuition Fees: ₦1.5 million – ₦2.5 million per year
- Website: Visit School
Vivian Fowler is one of the top all-girls best secondary schools in Nigeria with the aim of empowering young women through academic excellence, extracurricular programs, and life skills training. The school produces graduates who excel in both Nigerian and international exams.
Also Check: Top 11 Best Schools in Aba
How Much Does it Cost to Attend the Best Secondary Schools in Nigeria?
The cost of attending the best secondary schools in Nigeria differs from from school to school, it’s mostly based on the type of school, location, and facilities. For example:
1. Elite private boarding schools like American International School, Lagos or Corona Secondary School can cost anywhere from ₦2 million to ₦6 million per year.
2. Top missionary schools such as Loyola Jesuit College charge around ₦1.5 million to ₦2.8 million per year.
3. High-quality private day schools like Chrisland High School might cost between ₦800,000 to ₦1.5 million per year.
These fees usually cover tuition, boarding (if applicable), meals, and sometimes textbooks, uniforms, and extracurricular activities.
However, international schools tend to be more expensive because they follow International curricula such as British, American, or IB (International Baccalaureate).
How Do I Choose the Best Secondary School for my Child in Nigeria?
Choosing the best secondary schools in Nigeria can be challenging sometimes due to there are so many out there, but keeping these factors in mind will make the decision easier:
1. Academic Performance: Before you enroll your child in any of these top schools listed here, ensure you check the school’s past WAEC and NECO results.
2. Curriculum Type: Also check whether the school uses Nigerian, British, American, or IB.
3. Facilities: When choosing the best secondary schools in Nigeria make sure there are functioning Science labs, libraries, sports fields, and boarding houses are in good condition.
4. Location & Accessibility: Ensure the school location is motorable to home and has quality boarding facilities.
5. Extracurricular Activities: A good school should also have extracurricular activities like music, art, sports, tech clubs to boost students real life skills.
6. Reputation & Alumni Success: Schools with a proven track record often maintain their quality. Make sure the one you want to enroll your child has good management.
Check Also: Top Best Boarding Schools in Zambia
FAQs for Top 13 Best Secondary Schools in Nigeria
Check out also these frequently asked questions for the best secondary schools in Nigeria that might help answer your questions as well:
Q1. What is the number one secondary school in Nigeria?
Loyola Jesuit College is often ranked as the top secondary school due to its consistent academic performance and discipline.
Q2. Which is the most expensive secondary school in Nigeria?
The American International School, Lagos, is one of the most expensive, with fees up to ₦6 million per year.
Q3. Do these schools offer scholarships?
Yes, some of these best secondary schools in Nigeria offer scholarships for outstanding students, schools like NTIC and Loyola Jesuit College.
Q4. Can students in these schools study abroad?
Yes, many prepare students for IGCSE, SAT, and A-Levels, opening opportunities abroad.
Q5. Are there affordable quality schools in Nigeria?
Yes, schools like CKC Onitsha offer quality education at lower costs compared to elite private schools.
Conclusion
Enrolling your ward in the right school is a life changing decision for both you and your child. Whether you prefer an international curriculum, a faith-based education, or a balanced local program, these best secondary schools in Nigeria listed here represent the very top best in Nigeria.
If you have chosen any of these schools for your child to attend this new session, then the next step is to visit the school outlet via their websites or their physical address above.
It’s also wise to visit the school in person, talk to current parents, and read online reviews before making your final choice. A good school should not only focus on academics but also on character development and life skills.
Good luck!
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