You will find below a list of the most popular international and bilingual schools for expats in Nigeria with fee information. It includes nursery schools, primary and secondary (high) schools and you will find the right school to prepare for International Baccalaureate, and other diploma in Nigeria. Some schools will follow the American or UK curriculum while still adhering to educational guidelines of Nigeria, while others run under the French, Dutch, or other international system.

Education in Nigeria

Since the British left the country in 1976, Nigeria has struggled to provide sufficient education to its population. Education has been compulsory from age six to 14 inclusive since 1999 but an estimated 40 percent of Nigerian children do not attend school, usually because they are needed to work at home or provide for their family. In addition, many families cannot afford the cost of sending their children to school. The situation is particularly bad in the Northern region and for girls. Nigeria has the largest population of out-of-school youth in the world at approximately 20%. UNICEF's Universal Basic Education Act is seeking to change that. This initiative is improving facilities and increasing access to education.

Education in Nigeria is managed by the Federal Ministry of Education. The system is divided into kindergarten,primary education, secondary education and tertiary education. Primary education begins at age 3 and uses a 6-3-3-4 system; meaning students spend six years in primary school, three years in junior secondary school, three years in senior secondary school, and four years in tertiary institution. Students learn mathematics, English, religious knowledge (usually both Christian and Islamic), science, and one of the three main indigenous languages: Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo. Students earn a school-leaving certificate.

International Schools in Nigeria

International schools are the perfect solution for an expat student (multinational corporation executives, children of diplomats, NGO staff) in Nigeria. There may be some local population, but the schools are usually geared for an international student body. Nigeria has a very high number of international schools.

Schools provide similar standards of schooling around the globe, providing for an easy transition between schools whether they are in France or Vietnam. In addition to the topics taught at public schools, international schools offer access to computer science, French, and Fine Arts. Schools also provide internationally accepted accreditation such as the international baccalaureate.

Admission and enrollment procedures vary from school to school. Space is often limited and preference may be given to students based on nationality. Tuition tends to be expensive based on local standards, but offers high standards of learning, boast smaller class sizes, first-rate facilities, and extracurricular. Boarding facilities are available at some schools, but most only provide day classes.

International School Accreditation & Membership

• The CoIS (Council of International Schools) is a non-profit association of international schools and post-secondary institutions which provides educational accreditation, teacher and leadership recruitment services, links to higher education, governance assistance and help with founding new schools.
• Council of British International Schools (COBIS) is the premier global association for international British schools overseas.
• The CoIS (Council of International Schools) is a non-profit association of international schools and post-secondary institutions which provides educational accreditation, teacher and leadership recruitment services, links to higher education, governance assistance and help with founding new schools.
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) is an independent, voluntary, nonprofit membership organization which connects and serves over 2,000 public and independent schools, technical/career institutions, colleges and universities.
• Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (Middle States Association or M.S.A.) is a voluntary, peer-based, non-profit association that performs peer evaluation and regional accreditation of public and private secondary/high schools and elementary schools.
• Association of International Schools in Africa (AISA) represents the interests of international schools on the continent of Africa.
• Association of International School Educators of Nigeria (AISEN) is an association of International Schools' principals in Nigeria.

International Schools in Abuja

American International School of Abuja (AISA)
Address: Plot 346 Cadastral Zone B 02 Durumi District Abuja, Nigeria
Tel: 234 7032153798
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

This co-ed, English-speaking, international day school serves students from pre-school through Grade 12. It was founded in 1993 by a group of parents and U.S Embassy officials. Classrooms are well-equipped with a modern technology and students have access to Macbooks and IPads. There is a strong school community with events throughout the year. AISA is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and offers an American curriculum based on U.S. standards. The school also hosts a chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS).

Centagon International School (TCIS)
Address: 29/31, Mississippi Street Maitama, Abuja, Nigeria
Tel: 234-9-2903397
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

An international school for students from pre-school to Secondary School. There are after-school activites and clubs. In Elementary and Secondary courses they focus on language arts, mathematics, science, history and social studies, as well as physical education, music, drama and the visual arts. Uniforms are required.

Lead British International School (LBIS)
Address: Aliyu Mustdafa Crescent, Off Wole Soyinka Street, Opposite Trafford Hotel, 2nd Avenue, Gwarinpa, Abuja, Nigeria
Tel: 234 09-2914098
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

An English language international school for students from pre-school through Grade 12. It follows English National Curriculum blended with the Nigerian system. Secondary students are prepared for the Checkpoint examination, Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), Key stage 4IGCSE, West African Senior Secondary School Examinations, Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations and are offered the option of taking the SAT. Clubs, sports, and outings are all organized by the school. Uniforms are required.

Voyage International School (VISA)
Address: Plot 565 Voyage Close, Opposite Suncity Estate, Kaura District, Abuja
Tel: 234 816 393 9393
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

VISA is an international school for Nursery, Primary, and Secondary students. There are boarding facilities, as well as laboratories, quality library, art studio, Technology Centre, swimming pool and sport park. Uniforms are required.

International Schools in Kaduna

Essence International School (EIS)
Address: 20 Kashim Ibrahim Road / P.O. Box 7622
Kaduna, Nigeria
Tel: 234 706 084 4987
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

EIS was founded in 1982 as an international nursery school. It now offers education up to secondary school. The curriculum is based on both Nigerian and US standards and includes a strong focus on African history, languages and current events. For Senior Secondary students, there are two major paths: Arts & Sciences or Pure Sciences. There are clubs and sports offered. Uniforms are required.

International Schools in Lagos

American International School of Lagos (AISL)
Tel: 234 1 818 663 2769
Tuition Rates: $17,638 - 31,228 per year

This co-ed international school is for students from pre-shool to 12th grade. The AISL curriculum is based on AERO Common Core Plus (American Education Reaches Out) standards. The IB Diploma Programme is available to all Grade 11 & 12 students as a rigorous course of study leading to graduation with the full IB diploma.

Avi-Cenna International School
Address: 6 Harold Shodipo Crescent, Behind Lagos Country Club
Ikeja Lagos, Nigeria
Tel: 234 1-3426271
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

British, co-ed, international school in English language from pre-school to year 11. tAvi-Cenna follows the English National Curriculum. The academic year has three terms: school opens on the second Monday in September and closes on the third Friday in June every year. There are modern facilities and sports areas, fully equipped laboratories, library, and a six hundred seat auditorium. Uniforms are required.

Brookstone Secondary School
Address: Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Tel: 234 08078855452
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Begin in 2006, the school offers a stable international education. New students are only admitted from Year 7 and it applies innovative teaching and learning strategies. Its curriculum is based on British and the Nigerian National standards leading to IGCSE and WASC Examinations. Uniforms are required.

British International School (BIS)
Address: 1 Landbridge Avenue, Oniru Private Estate, P.O. Box 75133
Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria
Tel: 234 (0) 810 177 5545
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

BIS is a multi-national, co-educational school offering a British style curriculum to students aged between 11 and 18 years. Students are prepared for the IGCSE and Advanced Level courses of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). Uniforms are required.

Children’s International School (CIS)
Address: Plot 8, Funke Zainab Usman Street, Off Freedom Way, End of Admiralty Road
Lekki Phase 1, Lagos
Tel: 234 8151 193 988
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

CIS follows the National Curriculum of England catering for children between the ages of two and a half years (pre-school) up to sixteen years (Year 11) where our students will be expected to sit IGCSE and GCSE examinations. Uniforms are required and boarding is available. It is accredited by COBIS.

Grange School
Address: Harold Shodipo Crescent, GRA
Ikeja, Lagos Nigeria
Tel: 234 -1- 2957630
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Founded in 1958, this is an English language school with British curriculum from pre-school to senior school. It was established as a primary school to provide education of a standard equivalent to that which was obtainable in the UK. There is boarding for pupils aged 9 and above. It is approved by AISA, British Council, and COBIS. Uniforms are required.

Hillcrest School
Address: P.O. Box 652JOS
Plateau State, Nigeria
Tel: +234 803 7190351
Tuition Rates: N 1,847,000 - 1,921,000 per year

A Christian international school with American curriculum, Hillcrest provides classes for kindergarden to 12th grade. It is divided into three schools. It was founded in 1942 as a boarding school for missionary children. Today, most students come from Nigeria.

Lagos Preparatory & Secondary School (LPSS)
Address: 36-40 Glover Road
Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria
Tel: +234 811 847 8042
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

LPSS provides day facilities for boys and girls aged 18 months to 16 years who are taught to the requirements of the English National Curriculum. The school provides excellent facilities for science, music, drama, art, and special educational needs. Uniforms are required. It is accredited by COBIS.

Lekki British School
Address: Victoria Arobieke Street, Off Admiralty Way
Lekki Phase One, Lagos, Nigeria
Tel: +234 (0)1 453 7247
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Located on a 25-acre campus, this was the first British Boarding school in Lagos. Curriculum follows the National Curriculum of England and Wales and students prepare for tathe IGCSE, AS and A levels. Extra curriculars are also offered. Uniforms are required. It is accredited by COBIS.

Riverbank School
Address: 2, COD Road, RCCG City of David, Oniru Estate, Victoria Island, Lagos
Tel: +234 (0)9098597872
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

A christian-based, co-educational, international school located on Victoria Island. They accept children from 3 months (creche) to year 6. There are many clubs, athletic teams, and activites. Uniforms are required.

St. Saviour's School Ikoyi
Address: 54 Alexander AvenueIkoyi
Lagos, Nigeria
Tel: +234 1 3426946, 3426947
Tuition Rates: N 53,504 - 7,643 per year

This international school on Ikoyi Island caters to children from Foundation 2 (Reception) to Year 6 and delivers the British National Curriculum within the Nigerian context. The school has a library, two ICT Labs, playing fields, and a 25 metre swimming pool. They use the International Primary Curriculum. It is accredited by AISEN, COBIS, and IAPS.

Dutch International Schools in Lagos

Netherlands International School Lagos
Address: Victoria Arobieke Street, Off Admiralty Way
Lekki Phase One, Lagos, Nigeria
Tel: +234 (0)1 453 7247
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Located on a 25-acre campus, this was the first British Boarding school in Lagos. Curriculum follows the National Curriculum of England and Wales and students prepare for tathe IGCSE, AS and A levels. Extra curriculars are also offered. Uniforms are required. It is accredited by COBIS.

French International Schools in Lagos

Lycée Français Louis Pasteur de Lagos (LFLP)
Address: 16 Younis Bashorun Street
Lagos, Nigeria
Tel: (+234) 08181789436
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

The school has primaire and secondaire levels. There is a library, labatory, sports facilities, and more. It is accredited with the AEFE and the school delivers French grades and diplomas giving access to post graduation studies at French universities and in other European countries' universities as well as Quebec, Canada.

International Schools in Minna

El-Amin International School (EL-AIS)
Address: No. 1 David Mark Road. P.M.B 173 Minna, Niger State
Tel: +234 8035647070
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

El-AIS is on 10 hectares of land and houses a primary and secondary schools. This school offers National and International examinations such as WAEC, NECO, JAMB, and IGCSE. There are extra curriculars like clubs and society, sports and skills acquisition. International trips and local excursions are offered. Uniforms are required.