THE BEST SCHOOLS IN NIGERIA IN 2021

This is the official ranking of the best secondary schools in Nigeria in 2021. 

Below is a list of the best schools in Nigeria in 2021:

1. Lifeforte International Schools
2. Corona Secondary School
3. Chrisland International Schools
4. Children's International School
5. Rainbow College
6. Premiere Academy
7. Bloombreed Schools
8. Captial Science Academy
9. Graceland International School
10. Hallmark Secondary School
11. Greater Tomorrow International School
12. Bethel

In carrying out the most rewarding role of parenting, perhaps a few decisions would be as important - to both a parent and a child - as the choice of the school a child would attend, especially at the elementary, primary, and secondary school levels.

However, making a school choice has never been more challenging for parents. Take the Nigerian privately owned schools for example. There are over 80,000 registered private schools in Nigeria – and counting. In other words, for a parent who can afford to enroll their children in a private school, dozens of such schools are jostling for their attention.

Despite the number of private schools in Nigeria, only a few schools provide a quality education that prepares kids for the future. Needless to mention the ill-equipment of many private schools to cater to the growing psychosocial and emotional needs of their pupils.

Also read: 25 BEST SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN NIGERIA 2022 - OFFICIAL RANKING

Interestingly, over the years, a few private schools have raised the bar and set the pace for the standards of education in Nigeria. These schools, strewn across the 36 states of the country, not only provide top-notch education but have set a benchmark for other players in the education space.

Each year, Edusko Africa undergoes a rigorous examination of schools in Nigeria to project some of the best schools in the country. The best schools in Nigeria annual ranking among other things, serve as a guide for aspirational parents and guardians who want nothing but the best education for their children.

Best secondary schools in Nigeria in 2021

The best schools in Nigeria ranking for 2021 is particularly intriguing as the covid-19 has greatly impacted the education space in Nigeria leaving many private schools a shadow of themselves. Yet, the best schools in Nigeria in 2021 have successfully navigated their ways through the pandemic and continued to deliver on their promise of excellence.

This year, we collated data on the initially selected 100 schools across the country to make a well informed decision. The schools were assessed by an independent committee on 3 major parameters namely: Students’ performance in national and international examinations in the last one year.

Recent awards and recognitions were also assessed alongside. Quality of alumni in the last one year in terms of verifiable contributions to humanity, verifiable positions in top organisations, entrepreneurship, admissions in top universities etc.

School leadership in terms of experience and skills of the school management and board Below is a summary of our assessment on the best secondary schools in Nigeria and their ranks:

Best secondary schools in Nigeria in 2021

Lifeforte International Schools, Ibadan.

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.

In 2020, Lifeforte International School emerged tops in the Outstanding Cambridge Learners Awards 2020, with the students winning 53 awards in various categories. Some of the students emerged the best in the World in AS level in Mathematics and Business as well as O level Geography.

Lifeforte alumni benefit from an extraordinarily high rate of success receiving admission to top universities around the world. Their alumni are recipients of academic prizes and accolades from top universities including Harvard University, University College London, and California Institute of Technology, to name a few.

Lifeforte International school’s board comprises of experienced educators, successful management experts and seasoned academics among whom is Pastor Olubi Johnson, the chairman and founder of the school. With over 25 years of experience in education and management, Pastor Olubi continues to ensure that Lifeforte stays true to its mission of enhancing lives via excellent education.

Corona Secondary School, Lagos

Established over 65 years ago, Corona schools no doubt have built a proven reputation of excellence over the decades and is one of the best schools in Nigeria in 2021.

In 2020 WAEC, Corona school had a 76% distinction rate and over 95% higher education potential rate. In IGCSE 2019, Corona school had a 74% distinction rate (A* - B) and the highest score of 7.5/9, and an average score of 7.1/9 in 2019 IELTS. Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Banky W, Tonye Cole, a few of the outstanding Alumni of Corona Schools' Trust.

Corona schools have received countless awards and recognitions both in Nigeria and from across the world as a testimony to their laudable work. Some of the most recent being: 2020 Toyota dream car competition: 2nd best artwork, the voice spelling bee competition (senior category) – global winner (1st position), among others.

The school is well managed by a highly experienced board of trustees. Among them are: Prof. Muriel Oyediran, Mr Adedotun Sulaiman, Prof. Oyinade Elebute and many other prominent Nigerians.

Chrisland International School, Lagos

Known as one of the foremost privately-owned international schools in Nigeria, Chrisland International School takes the lead in providing quality, all-round education for pupils.

Chrisland students recorded an excellent performance in the recently concluded 2020 external and international examinations. The students, as always, recorded an outstanding feat in all examinations with a spread of distinctions in all subjects.

The school’s alumni since its establishment continue to bear the light wherever they go and in all their endeavours, doing their Almer mater proud.

Deborah Chiamaka Motilewa is one of the thousands of proud alumni of Chrisland. She had her Ph.D. in Business Management from Covenant University in 2018 becoming the youngest Ph.D. graduate from a Nigerian University at the age of 25. The school’s board is chaired by High Chief Dr. (Mrs) Winifred Adefolahan Awosika, the founder of Chrisland Educational Organisation, an astute educator, a role model, a great motivator, a woman of integrity, among other things.

Children's International School, Lagos

CIS is an outstanding international learning institution that is committed to setting the standard for world-class education, with a focus to enable 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 was the Best school in Africa at the COBIS Student World Debate Competition in 2018. Since its establishment, CIS has won many awards and recognitions home and abroad.

 For two years consecutively – 2019 -2020, CIS students won World School Games Silver Medalist. The school’s alumni have gone ahead to record great achievements in their individual higher education pursuits and further endeavours in the last one year.

CIS has an Advisory Board comprising respectable individuals who are high-flyers in their different fields of expertise, such as investment banking, education consulting, management consulting, finance, law, human resources management, psychology, and education, to mention a few.

Among the CIS board of directors is Mr. Femi Olubanwo, a founding partner at Banwo & Ighodalo, one of the leading and most successful full-service law firms in Nigeria.

Rainbow College, Lagos

Rainbow College is a top-flight co-educational secondary school that applies a global approach to teaching and nurturing in an ideal environment for the exercise of learning.

Rainbow College students’ performance in national and international examinations over the years has set them apart from many others.

In 2019, one of Rainbow College’s Students was awarded Best Student in English as a Second Language by the British Council in the IGSCE 2018/2019 exams. In the recently concluded 2020 WAEC Examination, 80.59% of Rainbow College students had A-B in all the subjects and 97.54% of students had between A-C grades.

Rainbow College’s alumnus, Victor Momodu, Head Boy Class of 2014 boarding school, graduated with 9 distinctions from the department of Petroleum Engineering 2019 and made first-class honours. Annette Edematie, a graduate of the class of 2020 recently won a scholarship to study at the University of Arizona.

The school is well managed by a diverse and experienced board headed by Mrs. Oludolapo Odunlami, a seasoned educationist.

Premiere Academy, Lugbe Abuja

Founded in October 2005, Premiere Academy is an international school, with excellent boarding provision, where personal development, community service, teamwork, and leadership are all important aspects of growing.

In 2020 WAEC, 74% of students had A1-B3 in mathematics and over 64% of students had A1-B3 in the English language. While 99% of students had A1-B3 in Chemistry and 92% had A1-B3 in Economics. Premiere Academy boasts of alumni home and abroad who are achieving excellence in their various endeavours. 

In 2019, Eunice Odinaka Okeke, an ex-student of Premiere, bagged a first-class degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of South Florida, United States of America. Performance of Premiere Academy in WAEC in 2020 and before.

The school’s board of directors has over 200 years of collective experience garnered across diverse fields including but not limited to management consultant, senior civil service, corporate banking, oil and gas, and construction, education, etc.

Among Premiere’s board of directors is Mr. Akinfemiwa Akinsola, OON, a renowned Economics who is a former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Skye Bank.

Bloombreed Schools

Port Harcourt Established in 1998, Bloombreed Schools has grown from a burgeoning nursery and primary school into a vibrant co-educational institution with both Day and Boarding High Schools and now ranks as one of the best schools in Nigeria in 2021.

The school has an international affiliation with of international affiliations with Cambridge Education Group (CEG), Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), and Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE).

The school is governed by a board of directors with over 150 years of experience accumulated across different disciplines chaired by Sir Mutiu Sunmonu (CON), skilled educationists with a wealth of experience working in international schools providing educational services to high profile and elitist clients.

Capital Science Academy, Abuja

Located in Kuje, Abuja, Capital Science Academy boasts as one of the leading schools in Nigeria today. The school offers Nigerian curriculum subjects and a wide range of electives.

In the past year, in the National Examinations, WAEC and NECO, the school has recorded 90- 98% in A-C and 100% A-E. In Jamb/UTME, the school has recorded 90-100% from 200-310 in the past year.

They have also recorded 70-90% distinction - c in an international examination – IGCSE with 100% in English and Maths. In SAT, the school has recorded 95%-98% form 950 and above, and 1000-1400 is about 95%.

Though relatively a recently established school, Capital Science students are flying high in their different institutions of higher learning across the world. Capital science was recently a recipient of the African Achievers Award, UK, and FCT Award for Best Performing School, Nigeria. 

Capital Science Academy has a vibrant board of directors who bring to bear their wealth of experiences from across diverse industries and fields.

The board has over 200 years of collective experience in education, finance, banking, senior civil service, oil and gas, business administration, etc. 

Professor Zaynab Alkali chairs the school’s board of directors. Zaynab Alkali is a Professor of African literature in English and a multiple award winner, author, and women's rights advocate.

Graceland International School, Port Harcourt

Graceland international school Port Harcourt ranks one of the best schools in Nigeria in 2021.

In the 2019 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), 93% of Graceland students had credit-pass and above including English language and Mathematics, while 85% of students had the distinction and 15% of students had credit in English language making 100% pass in the English Language.

Graduates of Graceland International school have gained admission to schools in the UK and US such as Illinois Institute of Technology, University of Kentucky, Georgia Institute of Technology, University of South Florida, University of Southern Georgia, among many other top-ranking world universities.

The school has won many awards locally and internationally including Two times gold medalists from Pan-African Mathematics Olympiad. Six times winner of National Cowbell Competition, serial winner (in Nigeria) of American Mathematics Competition 12 for 6 consecutive years – 2014-2019, among many others.

Hallmark Secondary School, Ondo

Hallmark Secondary School, Ondo is a co-education school with a boarding system that runs a strictly rich national British Curriculum design. The school was established some 25 years ago and has since been championing the course of excellence.

In 2020 Hallmark secondary school was awarded the Southwestern school of the decade by the Southwest Nigeria excellence award. Their student, Akinwonmi Ayobami had the best UTME result in Ondo State in 2019, while in the same year, the school took the fourth position at the National Science Fair Competition held in Abuja.

Many of the Alumni of Hallmark International school are placed in top schools in Nigeria and abroad and continue to bear the light wherever they go. Hallmark of directors is chaired by Pastor Mrs. Aralola Faturoti the founder and proprietress of the school. She is a seasoned and experienced educator and administrator with over 50 years’ experience in education.

Greater Tomorrow International College, Ondo State

Greater Tomorrow International College is undoubtedly one of the best schools in Nigeria in 2021. Since its establishment in 2001, Greater Tomorrow International College school continued to prove its capacity as a leader when it comes to providing top-notch quality education for its pupils.

The school has recorded numerous awards in recognition of its outstanding performance home and abroad.

The school won as National Champion at the Interswitch SPAK Science Competition in 2018; in August 2019, their students won as National Champion at the STAN Science competition held in Kano, Nigeria, and in August 2019, GTIC student came 2nd Best in Nigeria, at the National SPELL IT Battle of the Champion, among many others.

Bethel American International School, Ibadan

Bethel AIS is a co-educational institution with full boarding facilities. The school ranks as one of the best schools in Nigeria in 2021.

BethelAIS recorded 100% at SSCE WAEC administered examination for 2020. Their students scored between 1,200 – 1383 in their last SAT result.

Even though the school is in its 8th year of operation, and the alumni are still in various universities within and outside of Nigeria, their students are represented across some of the best universities in the US, UK, Canada, and Nigeria.

Bethel AIS board is made up of leaders of industries and successful individuals whose contributions have further spurred the growth and accomplishments of the school. 

Among them is Dr. Jeff Vogel, the board’s superintendent who holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and is the former Professor at the University of Minnesota, USA.

He is currently Senior Executive at Medtronics, USA. Charles Dale Memorial International College, Port-Harcourt Charles Dale Memorial International School is a co-educational and multi-cultural school admitting students both nationally and internationally.

The school is recognized and celebrated for the strength of its programs, its warm and nurturing culture, and its strong sense of community.

Charles Dale Memorial International

College has won many awards and recognition in recent times including the National Chemistry Olympiad Competition - Best Female student – 2017; Nigeria’s representative in the 50th International Mendeleev Chemistry Olympiad, Moscow, Russia, among many others.

The school has a strong and experienced Governing Board with members who have gathered wealth of experience across various disciplines. The board hare in the staff’s commitment to ensuring the long and short-term success of the school.

Adesoye College, Offa, Kwara State

Adesoye College is a co-educational college founded by Chief Emmanuel Olatunji Adesoye in January 1987 to educate boys and girls from all the states of Nigeria as well as from overseas whose parents want to have the best kind of upbringing for them.

The school is one of the few outstanding private secondary schools in Nigeria with a decades-long record of excellence and unequalled achievements.

In the 2020 WAEC result, over 53% of students had the distinction in English (A1 – B3) and more than 70% of the student had admission scores in the recently concluded 2020 UTME results.

Surefoot International School, Calabar

Located in the beautiful, serene, and historical city, Calabar in Cross River State, Surefoot International School (SIS) is an inclusive, co-educational, private, day and boarding school founded on solid Christian values.

Boasting 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.

Hillcrest College, Jos

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.

The school uses an American curriculum and is designed to academically equip students to successfully fit into American and European Colleges and Universities.

The school is one of the best schools in Nigeria having their alumni in different parts of the world flying high in their various academic careers. Hillcrest College is one of the best schools in Nigeria in 2021.

The Vale College, Ibadan

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 school is arguably one of the best schools in Nigeria in 2021. The Ambassador Schools, Ogun State Reputed for their student's excellent academic performance next to none especially in sciences, the Ambassadors is one of the best schools in Nigeria in 2021.

The history of The Ambassadors Schools dates back to September 1998 when the school started like candlelight and has grown into a flame that has produced scholastic giants who can fit into any field of endeavour in the world.

The school’s alumni are some of the vibrant, forward-thinking, smart, and savvy young men and women who are doing very well in their different institutions of higher learning and beyond within and outside of Africa.

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 benefits from a wide range of superb facilities which include sporting and recreational facilities which make life at school home.

Preston International School students perform excellently in examinations both internal and external, a factor that makes Preston the ideal choice for parents who want nothing short of excellence in their children’s academic careers.

Crescent International School, Kano

Crescent International school is one of the best schools in Nigeria in 2021. The academic program at CIS fosters excellence in all disciplines. Faculty members guide students in mastering skills, acquiring knowledge, and thinking critically, creatively and independently.

The school strives to help young people achieve their potential not only intellectually, but also artistically, athletically, and morally, so that they may lead responsible and fulfilling lives.

Academic excellence is expressed in the school’s unusually broad and deep curriculum. Teachers meet students where they are, then push them further than they ever thought possible.

City of Knowledge Academy, Ogun state

The City of Knowledge Academy (CKA) is an international secondary school established to provide excellent academic and leadership training for young minds.

City of Knowledge Academy students embody the vision and mission of the Academy as they continue to surpass all expectations and projections of excellence, learning, and all-round development of the mind and body that constitutes our ethos.

Their students’ strides in arts, academics, sports, and other activities both inside and outside the school, are a testament to the quality of education the school provides.

The school board is made up of experienced, committed, and forward-thinking professionals with a combined decade of experiences which they bring to bear in the development of the school.

Princess Shekinah International School, Imo State

Princess Shekinah International School is a full boarding co-educational Christian Secondary School located at KM 1, Ihiagwa Nkaramoche Road at the outskirts of Owerri, the capital city of Imo State in the Southeast part of Nigeria.

The school is s positioned to offer quality international education in a purpose-built, beautiful, serene campus with state-of-the-art facilities.

Guided by a staff of highly qualified coaches, students hone athletic skills, through healthy competition while also learning the value of hard work, discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship as they strive for victory on and off of the playing field.

Master Care International School, Asaba

Mastercare International School is a co-educational boarding secondary school with a boarding facility capable of accommodating approximately six hundred students.

The school consists of a crèche and kindergarten as well as a primary school and a Secondary school.

The school has a reputation of excellence when it comes to academic and even non-academic performance and this continues to attract hundreds of parents who want their kids to attend the school.

British Spring College, Akwa, Anambra

British Spring College was created as a private international school to provide world-class education with the use of modern technologies, catering to children aged 10 to 18.

The school places premium on unparalleled standard in all they do, hence, the enviable outcomes attained by their student’s world-over.

The school prides itself on in allowing every student to excel, fulfill their potential, and become highly qualified, equipped fully for the demands and exciting challenges of life.

Rounding up

The best schools in Nigeria ranking is a guide for aspirational parents and guardians who desire to enroll their kids in the best schools located across different states in Nigeria. The ranking is an initiative of Edusko Africa, a leading education marketing company in Africa.