Top 20 Best Public And Private Secondary Schools In Nigeria 2025: Official List Of Elite Institutions

Nigeria is home to many exceptional secondary schools that provide top-tier education, world-class facilities, and outstanding academic records. In this 2025 updated guide, we highlight the top 20 best-rated public and private secondary schools across the country—schools that have consistently produced high-performing students, maintained strong discipline, and nurtured talents for both national and international success.

Summary

This article reveals the top 20 best public and private secondary schools in Nigeria for 2025. The list includes schools known for academic excellence, state-of-the-art facilities, experienced teachers, high WAEC/NECO success rates, and strong extracurricular programs.

Why These Schools Made the List

• Exceptional WAEC, NECO & IGCSE results

• Strong alumni network and global recognition

• Advanced learning resources and infrastructure

• Discipline, innovation, and leadership development

• Extracurricular excellence in sports, arts, and tech

Top 20 Best Public and Private Secondary Schools in Nigeria (2025)

1. Loyola Jesuit College, Abuja (Private)

One of Nigeria’s most prestigious schools with consistently high WAEC & IGCSE scores. Offers a structured and disciplined environment with top-tier academic performance.

2. Grange School, Lagos (Private)

A British-curriculum school offering both IGCSE and WAEC. Known for its balanced academic and co-curricular approach with global affiliations.

3. The International School, Ibadan (ISI) (Public, University of Ibadan)

A highly reputable institution affiliated with UI, known for nurturing academic brilliance and producing national merit scholars.

4. Corona Secondary School, Agbara (Private)

Offers excellent boarding facilities, tech-enabled classrooms, and a well-rounded British/Nigerian curriculum blend.

5. Kings College, Lagos (Public)

Founded in 1909, Kings College is a federal government-owned boys' school known for discipline, academic rigor, and alumni success.

6. Queen’s College, Lagos (Public)

One of Nigeria’s top all-girls federal secondary schools, known for academic excellence, leadership training, and cultural diversity.

7. American International School, Abuja (AISA) (Private/International)

Offers an American curriculum and high-quality international education. Ideal for expatriate and Nigerian students seeking global learning standards.

8. Green Springs School, Lagos & Lekki (Private)

A respected private institution with a British and Nigerian curriculum mix, modern facilities, and a strong student performance history.

9. British International School, Lagos (Private)

An elite school offering IGCSE and A-Level qualifications. Known for its academic quality and ultra-modern learning environment.

10. Day Waterman College, Abeokuta (Private)

Set in a serene environment, this school offers world-class boarding facilities and a curriculum that prepares students for global exams.

11. Atlantic Hall, Epe, Lagos (Private)

Known for academic excellence and holistic education. Offers both the Nigerian and British curriculum.

12. Faith Academy, Ota (Private/Christian)

Owned by Winners Chapel, this school blends faith, moral discipline, and academic excellence. Students consistently excel in WAEC and NECO.

13. Federal Government College, Ijanikin (Public)

One of the best Unity Schools in Lagos with a good blend of academic training and cultural exposure.

14. Lekki British School, Lagos (Private)

One of Nigeria’s first British international schools offering world-class British education with outstanding academic results.

15. Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls, Lagos (Private)

A leading all-girls school with a focus on girl-child education, tech innovation, and leadership training.

16. PACES Secondary School, Ibadan (Private)

Recognized for its excellent WAEC/NECO performances and strong disciplinary policies.

17. Olashore International School, Iloko-Ijesha, Osun State (Private)

Combines academic excellence with leadership training in a serene boarding environment. Highly rated in West Africa.

18. Christ the King College (CKC), Onitsha (Public/Mission)

A mission school known for decades of excellence, leadership grooming, and academic discipline.

19. Regent Secondary School, Abuja (Private)

British curriculum-based school known for top IGCSE results and strong international university admissions.

20. Premiere Academy, Lugbe, Abuja (Private)

A modern boarding school with cutting-edge educational practices and a strong academic track record.

What Makes a School “Elite” in Nigeria?

Elite schools are defined by:

• Curriculum excellence (WAEC, IGCSE, SAT prep)

• Teachers’ qualifications and training

• Alumni success stories

• Student-teacher ratio and class size

• Boarding and safety standards

• ICT integration and innovation labs

• Discipline and moral upbringing

Conclusion

Choosing the right secondary school for your child is a key decision that shapes their future. The institutions listed above are among Nigeria’s best in 2025, combining strong academics with holistic growth, modern facilities, and value-based education.

These schools don’t just produce good grades—they groom future leaders.