Top 10 Best‑Rated Primary Schools In Borno State

Education in Borno State has faced significant challenges—but in spite of the region’s instability, several schools have distinguished themselves through consistent delivery of quality learning, excellent facilities, and strong community reputations. Below are the top 10 schools that parents, educators, and communities recognize as leaders in primary education.

These selections are informed primarily by a December 2023 list of top primary schools in Borno State , supplemented by a broader ranking of the best primary schools in the state from NaijSchools , and includes government‑approved institutions.

1. Yerwa Royal Academy (Maiduguri)

Profile & Strengths: Consistently ranked number one on the top‑10 list , Yerwa Royal Academy prides itself on strong academic curricula combined with character education. Situated in Maiduguri, the school boasts a comprehensive academic program, qualified teachers, and extracurricular activities.

Why it’s top‑rated:

Focus on academic excellence and moral values.

Well‑structured curriculum across English, Maths, Science, Social Studies, ICT.

Extracurriculars foster holistic development.

Ideal for: Parents seeking a balance of academic rigor and character building in a secure environment.

2. Nigerian Turkish International College (NTIC)

Though primarily known as a secondary institution, NTIC hosts an equally strong primary section in Maiduguri. It is high on the rankings list from December 2023.

Standout features:

Internationally oriented curriculum.

STEM emphasis and bilingual instruction (English + Turkish).

Well‑trained faculty and strong discipline.

Ideal for: Families wanting global exposure and strong academic foundations early on.

3. Redeemer’s School (Maiduguri)

Listed as number three on the ranking list , Redeemer’s School combines academic focus with Christian ethics, while remaining inclusive in its admissions.

Highlights:

Supportive and moral‑based learning environment.

Qualified staff and attention to individual student development.

Structured learning atmosphere promoting self‑discipline.

Ideal for: Families valuing disciplined learning in a faith‑based context.

4. Al‑Ansar Foundation Schools

Ranked fourth by late 2023 lists , Al‑Ansar Foundation Schools integrate academic and religious studies, with an emphasis on character, sports, and arts.

Strengths:

Balanced curriculum including Islamic Studies, extracurricular activities.

Conducive environment with smaller class sizes.

Good infrastructure for its category.

Ideal for: Parents who want religious values woven into modern academics.

5. Shehu Sanda Kyarimi II Memorial School

A government‑owned institution, placed fifth in the ranking . It remains consistently recognized in directories of approved primary schools.

Advantages:

Accessibility and affordability.

Strong oversight through the state education board.

Emphasis on civic values and academic basics.

Ideal for: Families seeking quality government schooling with disciplined atmosphere.

6. Excellence Academy

Rated sixth in the December 2023 list , this private institution offers solid academic programming alongside extracurricular offerings in sports, arts, and technology.

Why choose them:

Strong academic track record with smaller classes.

Technology inclusion, art, and sports programs.

Focus on character formation and discipline.

Ideal for: Parents who want a modern curriculum and rounded child development.

7. The International School, University of Maiduguri (MIS)

The University of Maiduguri’s International School ranks seventh in the top‑10 list.

Notable features:

Multicultural student body and exposure.

Critical thinking and problem‑solving emphasis.

Environment preparing students for international standard education.

Ideal for: Globally‑minded families or those expecting to continue abroad.

8. Tarmuwa Multilingual Primary School

Listed eighth in the official top‑10 list , Tarmuwa promotes multilingualism along with academics, supporting local languages alongside English.

Strengths:

Multilingual education approach (local languages + English).

Inclusive environment respectful of diverse backgrounds.

Strong community linkages and cultural promotion.

Ideal for: Parents valuing cultural identity while emphasizing English competency.

9. Alhikma International Academy

Ranked ninth on the December 2023 list . It offers international academic standards within Maiduguri.

Salient features:

International academic curriculum.

Technology‑enabled learning spaces.

Focus on global citizenship and critical thinking.

Ideal for: Parents seeking modern teaching methods and global outlook at primary level.

10. Future Leaders Academy

Closing the top‑ten, this school is number ten on the ranking list . It stresses student leadership, confidence, and community values.

Core attributes:

Leadership development programs.

Community engagement and public speaking encouraged.

Emphasis on building future social leaders.

Ideal for: Parents wanting their children to emerge as confident young leaders early on.

Honorable Mentions (From NaijSchools Top 11)

NaijSchools also publishes a broader list of the Top 11 Best Primary Schools in Borno, which adds additional noteworthy institutions that didn’t quite make the top ten but are still highly regarded :

1. Care Bears Nursery & Primary School

2. Delittle International School

3. Kamsulem Nursery, Primary & JSS

4. Mini Haha Nursery/Primary

5. Ibn Kyari Islamic Nursery, Primary & Secondary School

6. All Denomination Nursery/Primary & Secondary School

7. Namu Primary School

8. Success Primary & Nursery School

9. Royal Day Nursery & Primary School Maiduguri

10. Yemi Osinbajo Primary School

These schools excel in local reputation, focused attention, and inclusive environments. They’re particularly recognized in Maiduguri’s private‑school dyamics.

Summary Table of Top 10 Schools

Rank School Name Location Key Strengths

1 Yerwa Royal Academy Maiduguri Rigorous academics + character development

2 Nigerian Turkish International College Maiduguri STEM focus, bilingual, global exposure

3 Redeemer’s School Maiduguri Academic excellence within moral values framework

4 Al‑Ansar Foundation Schools Maiduguri Balanced Islamic & Western curriculum

5 Shehu Sanda Kyarimi II Memorial School Maiduguri (govt) Disciplined government school, civic values focus

6 Excellence Academy Maiduguri Tech, sports, arts included with academics

7 International School, University of Maiduguri Maiduguri Critical thinking, multicultural, global prep

8 Tarmuwa Multilingual Primary School Maiduguri region Multilingual, cultural heritage, inclusive approach

9 Alhikma International Academy Maiduguri International standards, global outlook

10 Future Leaders Academy Maiduguri Leadership skills, community engagement

Why Ratings Matter in Borno State

1. Educational Recovery Post‑Insurgency

Since the upsurge of the Boko Haram insurgency, schools in Borno have been at the frontline of recovery efforts. Institutions like Future Prowess Academy (founded by Zannah Bukar Mustapha), though not ranked here, exemplify resilience in providing education under adversity.

2. Quality Amid Resource Constraints

Many public schools struggle with infrastructure, teacher retention, and overcrowding. High‑rated private schools fill those gaps through better facilities, smaller classes, and often bilingual or international curricula.

3. Holistic Development Focus

Top institutions focus not just on academic performance, but on character traits, leadership, technology skills, and cultural identity—a critical blend for modern Nigerian education.

How Parents Can Choose Wisely

When evaluating any primary school in Borno State, consider:

Curriculum breadth: Does it include language (English + local), STEM, arts, physical education?

Class size & teacher qualifications: Smaller classes and well‑trained staff usually yield better outcomes.

Extracurricular programs: Leadership clubs, debates, ICT labs, sports, etc.

School ethos & values: Whether religiously oriented or secular, ensure alignment with your own family values.

Safety, location, transport: Especially crucial in Borno’s context—safe daily routes and secure campuses matter.

Cost & scholarships: Some top schools offer sliding scales or support for needy families (e.g. NECT‑supported MIS).

About the Data

The top‑10 list is based largely on December 2023 reporting by educational news and directories in Nigeria.

NaijSchools' broader listing of top 11 best primary schools adds insight from 2024–2025 user‑based rankings and local feedback.

Government‑approved lists (CorporateHub, Nemis) provide official verification of recognized public and private schools across Borno.

Final Thoughts

Education in Borno State remains a domain of both challenge and hope. The top 10 primary schools listed above represent the best of the state’s progress—private excellence, government institutions with strong structure, and schools that promote leadership, global readiness, and moral values.

For families in Maiduguri and across Borno, these schools offer access to safe environments, structured learning, and holistic child development. Whether you're looking for bilingual, STEM‑focused curricula, or strong character education, this list provides a solid starting point.

If you're interested in detailed admission procedures, fees, scholarship options, or school visits, I’m happy to help find out more for any specific school.