British School in Lagos Sparks Outrage Over N30m Tuition Fee

• Charterhouse, a British school in Lagos, faced backlash for its high tuition fees, reportedly reaching up to N42 million annually
• The school clarified that its actual fees are below N30 million, but public outrage continues over perceived exorbitance and affordability issues

Charterhouse, a prestigious British independent school, has reignited debates over its high tuition fees in Nigeria, sparking criticism on social media.

The school, located in Lekki, Lagos State, is the first African branch of the renowned British institution, which boasts a history of over 400 years.

Charterhouse opened its doors in September 2024, offering classes for students in Year 1 through Year 6.

The controversy began in April 2024 when reports claimed the school charged up to N42 million annually, alongside a non-refundable registration fee of N2 million. This revelation triggered widespread backlash, with many questioning its affordability for the average Nigerian family.

The debate resurfaced on Thursday after a video shared on X (formerly Twitter) showcased the school’s facilities, describing it as “the most expensive school in Lagos” with a purported fee of N42 million.

In response, Charterhouse clarified that its tuition and accommodation costs were below N30 million, but this did little to stem public outrage.

The controversy has drawn varied reactions online:

@Akankedris: “Till Nigeria becomes better, we will always be slaves these guys feed off.”

@Yorubatoast1: “There is no school in Nigeria worth paying ₦30m for, quote me anywhere.”

@_olunife: “Paying almost 30 million a year for my child to have a lofted bed and share a room with three other children? Quite frankly, paying 30m for secondary education is excessive. How much will university cost?”

@thesheking: “This looks like an average public school in the UK. Most academies look like this, and it’s free education. God, free Nigeria from the shackles of bad governance.”

@bolazeal: “This type of school is a free public school in the UK or the US.”

@odehetiosa: “I see it as a waste of money, personally. If they can’t guarantee an authentic English education certificate with recognized grades after graduation, what’s the point? Instead of wasting that money, why not attend school abroad?”

@Toyin_livenluv: “No school should be allowed to cost that much in Nigeria or anywhere in Africa. Education shouldn’t be this expensive—it’s robbery.”