finest boarding schools that blend time-honored traditions with modern educational innovation. From state-of-the-art campuses to a commitment to holistic student development, these schools have carved their names as pioneers in shaping young minds and are the best boarding schools in Nigeria for your child right now.
See Also: 25 Best Schools in Nigeria in 2023 official ranking.
Best boarding schools in Nigeria (2023)
Please note that this list is in no particular order. If you have a girl-child and you want the best education for her, here are the best girls-only schools in Nigeria to choose from.
- Corona Secondary School, Ogun State
- Lifeforte International Schoo, Ibadan
- Greensprings School, Lagos
- Rainbow College, Ogun State
- Chrisland High School, Lagos
- Grange School, Lagos
- Children International School, Lagos
- Capital Science, Abuja
- Loyola Jesuit College, Abuja
- British International School, Lagos
- Meadow Hall College, Lagos
- Day Water Man College, Ogun State
- Avi-Cenna Secondary School, Ikeja
- Bethel American International School, Ibadan
- Premiere College, Abuja
- Whiteplains British School, Abuja
- Nigerian Tulip International School, Abuja
- City of Knowledge, Ijebu Ode
- Surefoot International School, Calabar
- Preston International School, Akure
- Charles Dale Memorial International College, Port Harcourt, Rivers
- Greenoak International School (GIS), Port Harcourt
- The Regent Secondary School, Abuja
- The Vale College, Ibadan
- Funtaj International School, Abuja
- Funtaj International School, Abuja
- Faith Academy, Abuja
- Greater Tomorrow College, Ondo State
- Kayron International Schools
- The Centagon International School, Abuja
- Hillcrest International School, Jos, Plateau
- Corona Secondary School, Agbara, Ogun State
Corona Secondary School is a co-educational institution that is focused on and dedicated to producing well-rounded and proudly Nigerian young men and women equipped for continuous learning, personal mastery, and leadership. Since its first school in 1955, Corona has been delivering on its promise of providing world-class education.
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With its state-of-the-art facilities and dedicated human capital, Corona Secondary School is deservedly one of the best boarding schools now.
Upon graduation, Corona students gain admission to the leading universities in the world and thereafter build great careers for themselves. In recent times, Corona schools’ alumni have won over $2,098,656 in scholarships from some of the top colleges and universities in the world.
Corona’s success through the decades is not far-fetched from the Board of Trustees and Members of the Governing Board that it has had. The current Chairman of the Governing Board of Corona Schools’ Trust is Hon. Justice Raliatu Iyabo Bukunola Adebiyi.
- Lifeforte International School, Ibadan
Ranking as the number 1 best school in Nigeria in 2023, Lifeforte ranks equally among the top boarding schools in Nigeria.
Lifeforte International School is a co-educational Private Christian Institution, consisting of Preschool, Junior and High Schools for children between the ages of 3-18 years. It was founded on the 5th of November 1990 by Pastor (Dr.) Olubi and Sarah Johnson to provide a balanced comprehensive educational curriculum for the full development of children (ages 3-18) intellectually, spiritually, and socially.
Lifeforte has a large number of students, Nigerian and foreign, who come from different social backgrounds (e.g. from Britain, North and South America, Canada, and Australia). Over the years, the school has firmly established itself as one of the best boarding schools in Nigeria for parents who want nothing but the best for their kids.
See Also: Best faith-based schools in Abuja
- Greensprings School, Lagos
Having provided – and continues providing – quality education for students for more than 30 years, Greensprings clearly understands that boarding students tend to be more self-reliant and dedicated to their studies. Consequently, they set up one of the best boarding schools in Nigeria.
Greensprings boarding schools are some of the best boarding schools in Nigeria in 2023.
- Rainbow College, Maba Ogun State
Rainbow College is a leading co-educational secondary school in Nigeria that applies a global approach to teaching and nurturing in an ideal environment for the exercise of learning. The school has one of the best boarding secondary school facilities in Nigeria in Maba, Ogun state, Nigeria.
In 2022, Rainbow College ranked in the top four best secondary schools in Nigeria, a position it has retained in 2023.
Renowned for having one of the highest standards for education in Nigeria, the school constantly looks to modernize its curriculum whenever possible which explains its continued excellent outcomes. Rainbow College is arguably one of the best boarding schools in Nigeria.
- Chrisland High School, Lagos
Chrislanad High School is one of the best boarding schools in Nigeria.
The school is an International School at the forefront of the private education sector in Nigeria and beyond. The school helps to nurture children to become all they can be through quality all-round education, from kindergarten to tertiary level.
Chrisland College, Idimu is a full-boarding co-educational college, it is located on a 50-acre land in Idimu, Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State. Over the years, they have reinforced their position as one of the leading educational institutions in Nigeria.
Dedicated to the general advancement of humanity through quality education, service and total commitment, Chrisland is synonymous with excellence in education, thus a first choice for Nigerian parents at home and abroad.
Grange School was founded in 1958 by a group of British expatriates, to provide education of equivalent standard to that which obtains in the UK.
The school offers full-time boarding (students, only leave the boarding at half term, full-term holidays, and exeat requests).
Parents can also opt for Flexi boarding (Monday - Friday) or occasional boarding for those parents wishing to book a space on an ad hoc basis when unexpected work, family or school commitments create logistical challenges.
- Children International School
CIS is an outstanding international learning institution that is committed to setting the standard for world-class education, with a focus on enabling students to become successful learners who enjoy learning as well as outstanding individuals who are able to live safe, healthy and fulfilling lives.
The school is one of the best boarding school facilities in Lagos that provides an awesome boarding experience for children.
- Capital Science Academy, Abuja
Capital Science Academy Abuja is a well-established and highly successful Secondary day and boarding school set in a beautiful and secluded fifty-hectare campus in Kuje, Abuja. The school is arguably one of the leading private schools in Nigeria today. Capital Science offers Nigerian curriculum subjects and a wide range of electives and has one of the best boarding facilities in Nigeria for students.
Capital Science Academy’s early Alumni are now well-established and progressing in their careers, whilst the later ones are either going through or have recently finished their university education.
Known as one of the best privately owned, faith-inclined secondary schools in Nigeria, Loyola Jesuit leads as one of the best boarding schools in Nigeria today. The school has a reputation as one of the very best when it comes to academic outcomes and the moral upbringing of students.
Loyola Jesuit College (LJC) is part of the worldwide family of Jesuit schools run by the Society of Jesus in Abuja, Nigeria in Africa.
It is a full boarding school, with teaching and supervision from members of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in collaboration with the Sisters of the Holy Child Jesus and dedicated lay teachers and staff.
- British International School, Lagos
British International School (BIS) Lagos is a warm, vibrant, and successful co-educational school situated in the heart of Victoria Island, Lagos.
They provide a range of boarding options full boarding, flexible boarding with Sunday evening to Friday afternoon in the boarding house, and weekends with families at home personalized boarding arrangements for short stay periods when families need this support (dependent on bed availability).
This is a fantastic opportunity for parents looking for this option for their kids seeing as BIS is a leading and foremost international school in Nigeria.
- Meadow Hall College, Lagos
Meadhow Coellge is one of the best boarding schools in Nigeria today.
The school has ranked in the top 10 best schools in Nigeria since 2021. This year, Meadow has maintained its position and remains one of the leading secondary schools in Nigeria in 2023.
The leadership team of Meadow Hall is composed of experienced leaders and educators who bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to their roles. Together, they create a supportive, collaborative environment that fosters academic excellence and personal growth for all students.
At Meadow Hall College, your child would experience the best boarding experience you can ever get here in Nigeria and Lagos. The school arguably has one of the boarding school systems in Lagos.
- Day Waterman College, Ogun State
This is another one of the best boarding schools in Nigeria with facilities like what you will find in other climes like Europe and America.
Day Waterman College (DWC) is a purpose-built, co-educational boarding school of 500 students aged 11 to 16. The College offers world-class facilities in an environment with a natural, peaceful, and focused setting.
These facilities and equipment of outstanding quality have been provided to support the learning environment, including access to safe recreational areas. Additionally, the school boasts of the most sought-after educators and administrators in the country.
- Avi-Cenna International School
Avi-Cenna International School is an independent, non-denominational day and boarding school for boys and girls from age 2 to age 18.
The school boasts of having one of the best boarding facilities in Lagos. Founded in 1989, the school is an independent school with a strong academic and pastoral tradition.
- Bethel American International School, Ibadan
Bethel American International School (BethelAIS) provides a Christ-centered and classical education that emphasizes academic excellence in the liberal arts and sciences, by graduating highly educated young men and women who are well-rounded.
The school is a co-educational institution with full boarding facilities next to none in Nigeria.
Bethel American International School is known for its brilliant performances in national and international examinations and the 2021 results were not an exception. The school achieved 100% success in 2022 WAEC with a JAMB score of 313 as the highest and 245 as the lowest score. In SAT, 1400 was the highest result while 1210 was the lowest.
Set on the grounds in Lugbe, Abuja, FCT, the modern well-equipped campus of the school is an inspirational place to live and learn.
Premiere Academy is an international school, with excellent boarding provisions that can compete with what is obtainable elsewhere in the world.
The school’s leadership consists of management executives who bring years of experience in the education sector to the table.
- Whiteplains British school
Whiteplains School is one of the very prestigious and leading schools in Abuja. The school is a co-educational boarding and day school recognized as one of the best.
It was founded in 2007 by a group of entrepreneurial-minded persons within and outside Nigeria some of whom were either related by school experience or family ties.
- Nigerian Tulip International College, Abuja
Nigerian Tulip International College (NTIC) was founded in 1998 in Wuse 2, Abuja, Nigeria. The school was welcomed by Nigerians and has been supported constantly since its inception. NTIC has been embraced by different sections of society from every state of the country. Today, the school leads as one of the best in Nigeria and has one of the best boarding facilities for boarders across the country.
In the last two years, NTIC school in Abuja and other campuses in Nigeria have won a total of 242 gold medals, 368 silver medals, and 567 bronze medals in Olympiad competitions. When it comes to academics, NTICs across the country have recorded outstanding results in WAEC, NECO, JAMB and other national and international examinations to earn them a slot in the best schools in Nigeria 2023 ranking.
- City of Knowledge Academy, Ijebu Ode
The City of Knowledge Academy (CKA) is a co-educational secondary institution established to provide excellent academic and leadership training for young minds.
City of Knowledge Boarding House is a friendly and conducive atmosphere where all students are valued and respected.
The aim of boarding at the City of Knowledge Academy is to provide a safe and secure environment for the personal and academic development of each boarding student.
- Surefoot International School, Calabar, Cross-River
Surefoot International School (SIS) is an inclusive, co-educational, private, day and boarding school founded on solid Christian values.
The school is one of the best schools and has one of the most conducive boarding environment for boarders. It is located in Calabar, Cross River State.
Boasting of 100 percent success rates in both Cambridge IGCSEs and WASSCE exams and being an affiliate member of the Association of International Schools in Africa (AISA), SIS ensures that the International Education Standards are brought within your reach.
- . Preston International School, Akure
Preston International School is a mixed, full-boarding, co-educational Christian secondary school for boys and girls from around the world. The school is situated on a 42-acre piece of land on the outskirts of Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria.
The school benefits from a wide range of superb facilities which include sporting and recreational facilities which make life at school a home away from home for our students.
Since it’s establishment, Preston has remained one of the leading boarding schools not only in Ondo State but in Nigeria.
- Charles Dale Memorial International College, Port Harcourt, Rivers
Charles Dale Memorial International College is a co-educational and multi-cultural school admitting students both nationally and internationally. The school is strictly boarding and has standard living, learning, and recreational facilities.
Charles Dale is recognized and celebrated for the strength of its programs, its warm and nurturing culture, and its strong sense of community.
Charles Dale continues to provide all-around quality education despite the odds of our time, thus earning its space as one of the best schools in Nigeria in 2023 and one of the best boarding schools in Nigeria.
- Greenoak International School (GIS), Port Harcourt
Greenoak International School (GIS) operates a hybrid curriculum consisting of the innovative International British/American Curricula and the Nigerian curriculum.
GIS Secondary was established in September 2008 and now has a population of over 380 students. Its MD functions at the policy level, whilst the Principal sees to the day-to-day affairs of the school. The Head of Academics and Administration supervises their individual departments respectively.
GIS has one of the most suitable and conducive learning environments and boarding facilities in Nigeria that every parent would desire for their children.
- The Regent Secondary School, Abuja
The Regent Secondary School enables students to enjoy the benefits of an all-through school, offering continuity throughout their formative years and a shared philosophy and ethos, with teachers working together across different year groups and in each of the three schools.
The Vale College was founded by Solemilia Educational Trust as a co-educational secondary school on Monday, November 7, 1994.
Since its establishment, The Vale College has continued to distinguish itself by providing holistic education, as evident from the students, we graduate each year, true to our watchword Character and Learning.
The Vale College ranks as one of the very best schools in Ibadan. They gave have modern, purpose-built dormitories that are conducive to academic study.
Rooms are provided to boarders from Years 7 to 12. Although high levels of privacy are provided, our emphasis on community living, participation, and respect for each other is reinforced daily.
- Funtaj International School, Abuja
Funtaj International School is a co-educational boarding and day school with day and boarding facilities.
The school is arguably one of the best secondary schools in Abuja and has one of the best boarding facilities.
- Noble Hall Leadership Academy for Girls
Noble Hall Leadership Academy for Girls is a premier day and boarding secondary school in Abuja, Nigeria for girls between the ages of 10-16.
The school’s world-class infrastructure and amenities allow students to flourish.
As the name implies, Faith Academy is a leading faith-based, boarding school in Nigeria with campuses across the different states in Nigeria.
Faith Academy, Abuja, Goshen is a boarding Co-educational Christian Mission Secondary School. The school is located in Goshen City along Abuja-Keffi Express Road, which is about 26 kilometers away from the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Over the years, Faith Academy has proven to be the ideal environment for students to learn, lead, and develop spiritually. It is arguably one of the most sought-after boarding schools in Nigeria to date.
- Greater Tomorrow College, Ondo State
Greater Tomorrow International College is another school that has always ranked on the best schools in Nigeria list. This year, the school has taken a few steps upward to the 8th position.
The school has earned its position as one of the best boarding schools across the county for many years since its establishment.
Since its establishment in 2001, Greater Tomorrow International College continues to provide its students with quality education, thus, preparing students not just to compete favorably with their peers but to become the best versions of themselves and thrive in their careers.
- Kayron International schools
Kayron College equips students with the reality of how living and succeeding in an ever-challenging global economic community requires adaptability and flexibility with a variant skill set, knowledge, and character.
Though relatively new, Kayron International School is one of the best international boarding schools in Lagos state and Nigeria.
- The Centagon International School, Abuja
The Centagon International School has one of the best boarding facilities in Abuja and Nigeria as a whole.
Officially opened in September 2010, the school serves pre–kindergarten through Secondary School graduation levels.
- Hillcrest International School, Jos, Plateau
Guided by the British Curriculum, Hillcrest International School caters to children aged 18 months to young adults aged 18 years.
The school was founded in 1942 as a not-for-profit day and boarding school for children of missionaries and other children as able. Today, a majority of students come from Nigeria, with a good number of expatriate students.
Hillcrest College students have been performing excellently in both international and external examinations over the year, thus, the school has a reputation not only for moral but academic excellence.