10 Secondary schools in Nigeria where fees rival private universities

These schools invest in imported teachers, advanced science and tech labs, comprehensive sports infrastructure, and intense university counselling that smooths admission into overseas institutions.

Many also run boarding programmes, premium meal plans, and extensive extracurricular calendars that add to the sticker price.

Below are 10 secondary schools whose combined fees, extras, and boarding packages can put them in the same cost bracket as private tertiary options.

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1. American International School, Lagos

Offering an American curriculum and college-preparatory services, this school attracts expatriate families and wealthier local households. The combination of international accreditation, small class sizes, and extensive campus facilities contributes to a premium fee structure.

2. British International School, Lagos

With a UK-based curriculum and strong university placement support, the school charges for specialist teachers, IB or A-level preparation, and broad extracurriculars that mirror the boarding-school experience, which raises annual costs significantly.

3. Grange School, Lagos

A long-established private school known for academic rigour and high-end facilities, Grange invests in science labs, arts spaces, and personalised counselling that together push fees into the higher bracket compared with typical day schools.

4. Dowen College, Lekki

Positioned as a boutique, high-fee private college, Dowen combines modern classrooms, well-appointed boarding options, and a focus on leadership and exam coaching that make its total cost comparable to some private university term fees.

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5. Corona Schools (selected senior campuses)

Corona’s senior campuses offer international programmes, intensive exam preparation, and well-resourced campuses. When boarding, transport, and activity fees are added, the overall expense for senior students can rival tertiary-level costs.

6. Greensprings School, Lekki and Ikoyi

Greensprings provides international curricula, strong arts and sports programmes, and robust university counselling. The school’s premium facilities and overseas programme trips contribute to a higher school fee profile.

7. Chrisland School (senior campus offerings)

Chrisland’s senior campuses emphasise exam performance, co-curricular breadth, and campus amenities. Families who opt for boarding, extended tuition support, and extra-curricular packages find themselves paying sums that look closer to private university fees.

8. FUNTAJ International School

With a wide array of extracurriculars from robotics and inter-house sports to arts, debate, and more, Funtaj's serene environment and comprehensive facilities such as ICT centres, swimming pools, laboratories, libraries, and multipurpose halls make it a strong contender for discerning parents who can afford it.

9. Nigerian Turkish (Tulip) International College (NTIC)

NTIC operates multiple campuses across Abuja, Lagos, Ogun, Kano, Kaduna, and Yobe States. It integrates the Nigerian curriculum with elements of Turkish academic standards. True to its fees, the school maintains a strong emphasis on STEM, global academic exposure, and international-standard facilities.

10. Lead British International School (LBIS)

Lead British International School offers a blend of the British and Nigerian curricula. The school is known for its ultra-modern classrooms, boarding facilities, arts and music studios, sports courts, and ICT labs. Parents value LBIS for its structured academics and discipline while giving students international exposure.

Paying these prices often buys more than classes, as it covers security, meals, travel logistics, international exam prep, and relationships with overseas admissions networks.

For many parents, the premium is an investment in smooth entry to top universities, but it is worth comparing value, outcomes, and alternatives before committing to a costly secondary pathway.

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