Insight

• Ikiodiete George
• 2 Min Read

Top 10 Oldest Secondary Schools In Nigeria And Their Founding Years + Locations

Nigeria's educational journey didn’t begin with the modern system we know today. Long before there were hundreds of universities and thousands of secondary schools, a few institutions stood as trailblazers, ushering in structured post-primary education.

These schools laid the foundation for what would eventually become a robust national academic system. Many of Nigeria’s most influential figures passed through their classrooms, and their legacies remain strong to this day.

Oldest Secondary Schools in Nigeria & Founding Years

1. CMS Grammar School (1859)

Recognized as Nigeria’s first secondary school, this institution pioneered Western-style education and has produced generations of academic, political, and religious leaders.

2. Methodist Boys High School (1878)

Established to promote literacy and learning among boys in Lagos, this school quickly rose to become one of the most respected in the region.

3. Methodist Girls High School (1879)

The female counterpart to MBHS, this school played a groundbreaking role in providing quality education to girls in colonial Nigeria.

4. Baptist Academy (1885)

Founded in the late 19th century, this institution was known for instilling discipline, moral values, and academic excellence.

5. Hope Waddell Training Institute (1895)

Located in Calabar, this school blended academic studies with vocational and teacher training, making it one of the most innovative of its time.

6. St. Anne’s School, Ibadan (1896)

One of the oldest girls’ schools in West Africa, it was renowned for academic distinction and Christian values.

7. Oron Boys’ High School (1897)

This school in southern Nigeria made a significant impact on early education in the region, especially in preparing students for teaching and leadership roles.

8. Wesley College, Ibadan (1905)

Started as a teacher training institution, Wesley College contributed greatly to Nigeria’s early educational workforce and eventually evolved into a secondary school with a strong science focus.

9. Abeokuta Grammar School (1908)

This school holds a special place in the academic history of Southwest Nigeria, producing many notable professionals, writers, and activists.

10. King’s College, Lagos (1909)

Built to develop elite administrators during the colonial period, King’s College remains one of Nigeria’s most prestigious secondary schools to date.

Their Lasting Impact

These schools are more than just old buildings. They are institutions that nurtured some of Nigeria's brightest minds and leaders. Many of them:

• Introduced structured curriculums long before government regulation.
• Played vital roles in teacher development.
• Became role models for newer schools across the country.
• Are still operational today with thousands of proud alumni.

Final Thoughts

The oldest secondary schools in Nigeria have a heritage that speaks volumes. They pioneered formal education, produced key figures in Nigeria’s history, and continue to be beacons of excellence.

Whether you're a student, historian, or education enthusiast, these schools deserve a closer look—not just for their age, but for the legacy they’ve left behind.