British boarding schools have long been a destination for wealthy Nigerians seeking a top-tier education for their children. However, the trend is shifting, with prestigious institutions now establishing campuses in Nigeria. This move is driven by several factors, from the growing demand for international-quality education to the increasing financial challenges of sending children abroad.
The Expansion of British Schools in Nigeria
Prominent British institutions are setting up operations in Nigeria, with Charterhouse launching a primary school in Lagos last year and preparing to open a secondary school this September. Rugby School will also start offering secondary education in Nigeria in September, and other well-known institutions like Millfield, Wellington College, and Harrow are exploring similar opportunities.
The appeal of the British education system, known for its rigorous curriculum, prestige, and global opportunities, has long attracted Nigerian parents. However, the new campuses bring these advantages closer to home.
The Cultural and Educational Appeal
Nigerian parents, particularly the affluent elite, have historically favored sending their children to the UK for secondary education. The British curriculum’s academic rigor and global recognition are major factors in this decision. However, now that British schools are setting up campuses in Nigeria, parents can access the same education without the hassle of sending their children overseas.
Karima Oyede, a British-Nigerian management consultant, is one such parent. Her son is currently enrolled in Rugby School in the UK, but he will move to the Rugby School Nigeria campus in September. Oyede appreciates the opportunity for her child to experience the British education system in his country of origin, giving him the “best of both worlds.”
Balancing Global Education with Local Identity
While Nigerian parents are drawn to international schooling options, they are also keen on preserving their children’s cultural identity. African parents value the global standing that an international education provides but want their children to retain a strong sense of their African heritage. Educational consultant Ijay Uwakwe-Okoronkwo points out that some parents are wary of the more relaxed attitudes children often adopt after attending schools abroad, particularly in regards to issues such as LGBTQ+ rights, which are not openly discussed or accepted in Nigeria.
British schools in Nigeria, like Charterhouse, are sensitive to these concerns. For example, while Charterhouse UK displays a rainbow flag, its Nigerian campus does not, aligning with the country’s cultural and legal norms. John Todd, the head of Charterhouse Nigeria, notes that the school is committed to respecting local values while providing a British-style education.
The Economic Incentive for Nigerian Families
The rising cost of sending children abroad for education has become a significant concern for many Nigerian families. Just three years ago, the exchange rate between the Nigerian naira and the British pound was 500 to £1; now it stands at 2,200 naira to £1. The UK’s recent imposition of a 20% VAT on private school fees has added to the financial burden, along with the additional costs of flights and visas.
The new British schools in Nigeria offer a solution, providing the same high-quality education at a fraction of the cost. For instance, Charterhouse UK’s annual fees are around £60,000 ($78,000), while the fees at its Lagos campus are about £15,000. By employing a significant number of local staff in non-teaching roles, these schools can reduce operational costs, further lowering the financial burden on parents.
The Nigerian Education Landscape
Nigeria’s education system is characterized by a significant gap between private and public schooling. While many Nigerian families opt for private education, the quality can vary greatly. Public schools, which are supposed to be free, are often plagued by poorly trained teachers and frequent strikes. The introduction of British schools may not drastically change the broader education system, but they could pose competition to established elite schools like the British International School in Lagos and The Regent School in Abuja.
Mark Brooks, an export champion for the UK’s Department for Business and Trade, emphasizes that Nigeria’s population, with nearly 40% under the age of 14, offers a huge market for these schools. While existing schools may not face an immediate threat, the new campuses could challenge less prestigious institutions that are not as sought after.
A Gateway to Africa
Nigeria is increasingly seen as the gateway to Africa, and British schools are eager to establish a presence in the country. According to Brooks, “Africa is kind of the last continent for British schools to establish in,” and Nigeria offers an exciting opportunity for growth. The country’s reputation for producing driven, high-achieving students is well-known, with Nigerian students frequently excelling at top schools abroad.
For many Nigerian parents, the move to open British campuses in their home country provides a compelling option. They can access an internationally recognized education for their children without the financial strain of sending them abroad. This trend is likely to extend to higher education as well, with British universities increasingly looking to Nigeria as a potential market for campus expansion.
The Future of Education in Nigeria
As the British schools expand in Nigeria, the country’s educational landscape is likely to evolve. While the new campuses will not completely overhaul the system, they will provide new opportunities for Nigerian students and parents. For families who have long struggled with the cost and logistics of sending their children abroad, these schools offer a more accessible and culturally aligned option.
Karima Oyede sees the opening of British schools in Nigeria as a catalyst for her family’s relocation to the country. “The prospect of university opportunities would be a welcome bonus,” she says. As more families take advantage of this new educational opportunity, Nigeria could become an increasingly attractive destination for high-quality international education.
