Top 10 Most Outstanding Secondary Schools In Ondo State

Ondo State has a rich educational heritage stretching back over a century, encompassing some of Nigeria’s oldest and most respected secondary schools. From historic institutions founded in the early 1900s to modern private academies with international curricula, these schools continue to shape academic excellence, moral character, and leadership. This post profiles the top 10 most outstanding secondary schools in Ondo State, highlighting what makes each institution unique. These schools are selected based on academic achievements, extracurricular performance, infrastructure, discipline, and reputation.

1. Preston International School, Akure

Established: 2006

Type: Private, Christian, full boarding

Curriculum: Nigerian and British (IGCSE pathways)

Location: Km 6, Akure–Owo Road, Akure 

What sets it apart:

World-class campus on over 40 acres with modern science labs, ICT centers, e-libraries, and sports facilities.

Structured, disciplined environment for comprehensive personal and academic development.

Strong boarding life with Christian ethos, attracting students from across Nigeria.

The school is consistently ranked among the best in state for academic and extracurricular excellence.

2. Greater Tomorrow International College (GTIC), Arigidi‑Akoko

Established: 2001

Type: Private, day and boarding

Curriculum: Nigerian and British

Location: Ikare‑Ajowa Road, Agbaluku, Arigidi‑Akoko 

Standout achievements:

National Champion in national physics, JETS competition; 3rd place in Cowbellpedia quiz; state champion in STAN science contest.

Excellent WAEC and NECO results across cohorts.

Facilities include library, ICT labs, sporting grounds, hostel, even on‑campus bakery.

Consistent reputation as a top-tier secondary school in both academics and co-curricular engagements.

3. Christ The Redeemer’s International Secondary School (CRISSA), Akure

Established: 1998

Type: Private, Christian, day and boarding school operated by RCCG

Curriculum: Nigerian and British

Location: Akure 

Key strengths:

Strong religious and moral foundation with worship, drama, and biblical instruction integrated into student life.

Balanced curriculum preparing students well for WAEC, NECO, and IGCSE examinations.

Offers both boarding and day options for diverse family needs.

Emphasis on spiritual and academic growth makes CRISSA a holistic nurturing environment.

4. Hallmark Secondary School, Ondo (Stanley Road, Akure)

Established: 1995

Type: Private, co-educational, boarding and day

Curriculum: Nigerian and British

Location: Stanley Road, Akure 

Highlights:

Founded by Mrs. Aralola Faturoti, a veteran educator with high moral and academic standards.

Recognized as Southwestern School of the Decade in 2020.

Students have accomplished top UTME scores and national science fair placements.

E‑learning, smart classrooms, and strong discipline system define its output.

5. Mabest Academy, Akure

Established: circa 2017?

Type: Private, day and boarding

Curriculum: Nigerian and British, IGCSE certified

Location: Oke‑Ijebu Road, Akure 

Merits:

Awarded the best private school in Ondo State for 2017/2018 academic session.

Guarantees excellent WAEC, NECO, and IGCSE results.

Electronic access control for security, well‑equipped labs, supportive environment .

Develops students’ unique talents via clubs: press, debate, mathematics, drama, Jet Club.

6. Deeper Life High School, Ondo–Akure Road

Established: 2012

Type: Private, Christian faith-based, full boarding

Curriculum: Nigerian curriculum with emphasis on character formation

Location: Ondo–Akure Road, Akure 

Why it ranks:

Strong integration of faith, moral discipline, and academics.

Excellent facilities: ICT lab, science labs, health bay, digital resources .

Student success in international mathematics competitions and leadership training programs.

Growing reputation, especially for parents wanting values-based education.

7. Federal Government Girls’ College (FGGC), Akure

Established: 1977

Type: Federal government unity girls school, full boarding

Curriculum: Nigerian curriculum

Location: Akure 

Why notable:

One of the few all‑girls federal unity schools in Ondo State with long-standing tradition.

Excellent pass rates in WAEC and NECO, especially in STEM subjects.

Strong discipline, experienced teachers, well‑equipped science and ICT labs.

Empowers female students academically and socially.

8. Palmrock International School, Akure

Established: early 2000s

Type: Private, co-educational

Curriculum: Blended American and British with Nigerian core

Location: Vintage Estate, Akure 

Standout features:

Interactive classrooms, modern infrastructure and strong extracurricular offerings.

Focus on nurturing global-minded students through leadership and creativity.

Recognized for digital learning, arts, sports, and debate clubs.

9. Dominion Science Academy, Owo

Established: 2006

Type: Private, co-educational, rural setting

Curriculum: Nigerian curriculum with science emphasis

Location: Ijomoken Street, Ijebu, Owo 

Academic focus:

Strong STEM-centered approach with excellent science and ICT labs.

Disciplined learning environment and impressive WAEC, NECO outcomes.

Cultivates rural potential and gives students from Owo region access to top-tier education.

10. Citadel International College, Ikare‑Akoko

Established: 1994/96

Type: Private, co‑educational, boarding and day

Curriculum: Nigerian with leadership, critical thinking and entrepreneurship training

Location: Ikare Akoko, originally Ugbe Akoko 

Why included:

Long history of excellence in discipline, academics, and moral formation.

Focuses on leadership and entrepreneurship in addition to core academics.

Hostels, laboratories, sports, and art departments provide full-rounded opportunities.

Honorable Mentions

Several other schools also deserve recognition due to history, record, or niche strengths:

Aquinas College, Akure: Founded in 1951, one of the oldest government‑owned Catholic schools combining academic rigor with moral discipline.

Fiwasaye Girls' Grammar School, Akure: All‑girls school known for consistency in academic excellence and holistic development.

Saint Louis College, Ondo: Prestigious all‑girls in Ondo City with strong participation in academic competitions and extracurriculars.

Victory College, Ikare‑Akoko: Church‑owned, high academic standards, modern infrastructure, leadership and discipline focus.

Anglican Grammar / C.A.C. Comprehensive High School, Ijare: Community schools in Ijare town, serving local populations with government standards since 1970s.

Comparative Summary

School Name Location Type Curriculum Highlights

Preston International School Akure Private, boarding/day Nigerian + British World‑class facilities, full boarding, global prep

Greater Tomorrow International Arigidi‑Akoko Private, day and boarding Nigerian + British National quiz & science champions, strong WAEC results

CRISSA Akure Faith-based private Nigerian + British Christian discipline, moral formation

Hallmark Secondary School Akure Private, boarding but also day Nigerian + British Top UTME student, smart classrooms, strong discipline

Mabest Academy Akure Private, boarding/day Nigerian + British Best private school award, IGCSE prep

Deeper Life High School Akure Private, full boarding Nigerian Faith-based moral training, strong competition wins

FGGC Akure Akure Federal, girls boarding Nigerian Electricity in girls’ education, strong STEM focus

Palmrock International Akure Private co-ed British/American blend Rich extracurricular programs, technology integrated

Dominion Science Academy Owo Private Nigerian STEM focus in rural area, excellent lab facilities

Citadel International College Ikare‑Akoko Private, boarding/day Nigerian Leadership & entrepreneurship integrated education

Why These Schools Stand Out

1. Academic Excellence: All featured schools consistently post high WAEC/NECO results, while top contenders also effectively prepare for IGCSE and other exams.

2. Strong Leadership & Values: Many schools such as CRISSA, Deeper Life, FGGC, and Citadel emphasize moral character, discipline, and spiritual formation.

3. Modern Infrastructure: Facilities like well-equipped laboratories, ICT centers, e-libraries, sports fields, and secure boarding environments define the best schools.

4. Competitive Achievements: Greater Tomorrow, Hallmark, Deeper Life have earned national-level awards in STEM quizzes, spelling bees, math contests, and sciences.

5. Global Outlook: Institutions like Preston, Hallmark, Mabest, CRISSA incorporate international curricula and global preparation in their programs.

6. Holistic Development: Clubs, arts, sports, debate, entrepreneurship, and leadership programs complement academics in these schools.

Tips for Parents Choosing Schools

1. Curriculum & Exam Pathways – If you plan for IGCSE or international admission, institutions offering British curriculum (Preston, Hallmark, Mabest) are ideal.

2. Boarding vs Day Options – Full boarding schools like Preston, Deeper Life, FGGC offer structured environments; others like Citadel and Palmrock offer flexible boarding/day arrangements.

3. Values & Discipline – Faith-based schools emphasize character. Choose schools aligned with your family’s values (e.g., CRISSA, Deeper Life, FGGC, Aquinas).

4. Location – Schools outside Akure (e.g., Arigidi for GTIC, Owo for Dominion Academy) serve regional populations effectively.

5. Extracurricular Emphasis – If you prioritize leadership, arts, sports, science competitions, schools like Palmrock, GTIC, Citadel, Hallmark excel.

6. Security & Safety – Institutions such as FGGC, Police Secondary School, and GTIC feature strong attendance control, boarding security, and safe campuses.

Conclusion

Ondo State boasts a diverse landscape of secondary schools—from government heritage institutions to global-standard private academies. Each of the Top 10 profiled stands out for a reason: academic prowess, moral formation, modern infrastructure, or competitive distinction. Whether your priorities lie in STEM excellence, spiritual grounding, or international preparation, there’s a school here that's built to foster future leaders.

For parents, matching your child’s needs with the right school environment is key. Some excel in global curricula, others in value-driven discipline or science ambition. Ultimately, the best choice supports academic goals, personal development, and aligns with long-term aspirations.