Education and Schools in Lagos

If you’re planning your move to Lagos with children, selecting from the educational offerings will be a key priority. In Lagos, most parents who can afford it opt for private international schools, which offer diverse curricula, including British, American, or International Baccalaureate (IB) standards. These schools provide a solid educational foundation, preparing children for global opportunities.

Lagos is bustling with international schools known for their high educational standards and well-rounded curricula. As you consider various options, you’ll find that these schools not only focus on academic excellence, but also on developing critical thinking and cultural awareness among students.

Public schools in Lagos

Public schools in Lagos are currently experiencing a transformative phase, and efforts are underway to improve infrastructure and resources, including the construction of new classroom blocks and the renovation of existing facilities. These projects aim to alleviate overcrowding and enhance learning environments across the city.

Despite these advancements, challenges persist. Many public schools still grapple with high student-to-teacher ratios, and resources like safe water remain scarce in some areas. That said, initiatives like EKOEXCEL are pioneering changes, using technology to boost educational quality and teacher skills, especially in underprivileged areas. With ongoing reforms, public education in Lagos is slowly but surely aligning with global standards, offering viable alternatives to private schooling.

For a perspective on the country’s education system, see our guide to Education and Schools in Nigeria.

Useful links

• Lagos Eko Project
• EKOEXCEL Programme

International schools in Lagos

International schools in Lagos are renowned for their top-notch education and diverse curricula. If you’re moving to Lagos, you’ll find that most international schools follow the British, American, or International Baccalaureate (IB) systems, offering a world-class education to both expat and local families. These schools have state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring students can access the best learning environments possible.

Tuition fees at international schools in Lagos are steep and have been rising in recent years. Some schools have seen fee hikes of over 85 percent, reflecting the changing economy. It’s a smart move to negotiate tuition allowances as part of your employment package. Education at these institutions comes at a premium, and the costs increase as your children progress to higher grade levels.

Admission into top international schools in Lagos is fiercely competitive. With high demand and limited spots, schools typically prioritise well-rounded applicants who excel academically and participate in extracurricular activities. It’s wise to begin the application process early to secure a place.

Read more in our guide to the Best International Schools in Lagos.

Nurseries in Lagos

There are plenty of nurseries, daycare centres, and preschools scattered across Lagos. Finding the right kindergarten often depends on where you live, as traffic in Lagos can be challenging. Popular residential areas such as Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Lekki, and Ikeja boast many high-quality nurseries, making them ideal spots for expat families.

Many nurseries provide transport services or staggered schedules to help mitigate the stress of commuting in Lagos’s notorious traffic. Some nurseries even have satellite campuses to serve families living in different parts of the city. Flexible drop-off and pick-up times are common, catering to parents' varied work schedules.

Homeschooling in Lagos

Homeschooling in Lagos is an option, though the government does not officially recognise it. There’s no specific legal framework around homeschooling here, so parents have a great deal of flexibility in how they choose to educate their children at home. This makes it an attractive alternative to the high costs of international schools.

Families can pick from various curricula, including the Nigerian national curriculum or international options such as the British, American, or IB programmes. Some parents prefer Montessori or Waldorf-inspired approaches, while others mix and match to create a personalised educational experience for their children.

Homeschooling support is growing in Lagos. Communities like Homeschool Network and WeProject Homeschool offer resources, workshops, and networking opportunities. Many international schools also offer distance learning programmes, giving parents access to structured curricula and materials.

Useful links

• Homeschool Network – Lagos

Special-needs education in Lagos

Thanks to initiatives aimed at promoting inclusive education, special-needs education in Lagos has made notable strides in recent years.

The Lagos State Inclusive Education Policy prohibits schools from denying access to children with disabilities, emphasising that mainstream schools must accommodate students with special needs. As a result, many schools are working to create more supportive learning environments through teacher training and infrastructure improvements.

Some schools in Lagos have ramped up efforts by providing additional support, such as counsellors and assistant teachers, to help integrate children with special needs into regular classrooms. NGOs are also contributing by offering specialised training programmes for teachers to better adapt their methods for diverse learning needs.

In terms of specialised facilities, there are several dedicated special-needs schools in Lagos, particularly in areas like Ikoyi and Victoria Island. These institutions are well-regarded for their tailored services, although the number of such schools remains low compared to demand. Families in more remote areas often face challenges accessing these schools, which can involve long commutes.

Cost is another factor to consider, as tuition fees for special-needs schools can be high. While some schools offer scholarships or financial assistance, many families find these costs prohibitive.

Tutors in Lagos

Private tutors in Lagos are an excellent option if your child requires extra academic support. You can find tutors through various platforms, such as PrepClass, Tuteria, and Superprof, which connect students with experienced tutors across a range of subjects.

Parents frequently seek tutoring for standardised test preparation, including exams like WAEC and JAMB and international qualifications like SAT or Cambridge IGCSE. Tutoring fees in Lagos vary depending on the tutor’s qualifications and subject.

STEM subjects like mathematics, physics, and chemistry tend to command higher rates due to demand and complexity. Language tutoring, particularly for English, French, and Spanish, is also highly sought after.

Useful links

• PrepClass – Private Tutors in Lagos
• Tuteria – Find Tutors in Nigeria
• Superprof – Private Tutors in Lagos