- Here is a comprehensive list of 20 oldest schools in Nigeria from 1859-1915
- The schools have produced prominent individuals in Nigeria such as Chief (Mrs) Folake Solanke SAN, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, among others
- They include CMS Grammar School, Methodist Boys' High School, Methodist Boys’ High School, Wesley College of Science, St Paul's College, and Abeokuta Grammar School
Education has always been a major vocal point in Nigeria, transforming people’s orientation and day-to-day transactions.
Although educational institutions spring up in Nigeria on a daily basis, from elementary to tertiary, those established during Nigeria’s colonial period when it came in contact with Western education have impressively stood the test of time and produced icons across numerous generations in Nigeria.
TheRadar compiled a list of 20 oldest secondary schools in Nigeria from 1859-1915.
20 oldest secondary schools in Nigeria
1. CMS Grammar School, Bariga (1859)
CMS Grammar School was founded by the Church Missionary Society on June 6, 1859. It is Nigeria’s oldest secondary school. Initially established to train African clergymen and administrators for the Lagos Colony, it began with six students in a modest building known as the ‘Cotton House’ on Broad Street. Its first principal was Babington Macaulay, father of nationalist Herbert Macaulay.
2. Methodist Boys' High School, Victoria Island (1878)
Established as an alternative to CMS Grammar School, this institution was founded by Methodist leaders, including Charles Joseph George. It officially opened on March 14, 1878, with Rev. W. Terry Coppin as its first principal. The school's motto, "Non Sibi Sed Aliis" ("Not For Us, But For Others"), reflects its ethos.
3. Methodist Girls' High School, Yaba (1879)
As Nigeria’s first female secondary school, this institution paved the way for women’s education. Notable alumna of the school include Chief (Mrs) Folake Solanke SAN, who was Nigeria’s first female Senior Advocate.
4. Baptist Academy, Obanikoro (1885)
Founded as a primary school in 1855, it transitioned into a secondary school in 1885. Known for its rivalry with CMS Grammar School, as to which is the first school in Nigeria? but CMS has always won because Baptist Academy started as a primary school in 1855. It has produced notable alumni across politics and the arts.
5. Hope Waddell Training Institution, Calabar (1895)
It was established by the United Presbyterian Church of Scotland, this institution aimed to train African artisans and leaders. Mary Slessor played a pivotal role in its creation.
6. St. Anne’s School, Ibadan (1896)
St Anne’s was founded by Anglican missionaries, it became St. Anne’s in 1896. It is renowned as Nigeria’s first girls’ secondary school.
7. Oron Boys' High School, Oron (1897)
It was established as Oron Boys' High School in 1897 and later rebranded as Methodist Boys’ High School, Oron in 1905, it holds the title of the second oldest school in Eastern Nigeria.
8. Wesley College of Science, Ibadan (1905)
Initially a teacher training institution, it produced notable figures like Chief Obafemi Awolowo. It now focuses on science education for senior secondary students.
9. St. Paul's College, Awka (1900)
Founded by the Church Missionary Society for training evangelists and teachers in 1900, it predated the British colonial administration in Awka.
10. Methodist Boys' High School, Oron (1905)
Methodist Boys’ High School was established to train future teachers and ministers, the school was driven by Rev. Nathaniel Boocock’s vision.
11. Abeokuta Grammar School (1908)
It was founded by the Abeokuta District Church Council in 1908, and is associated with iconic figures like Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti and her son, Fela Kuti.
12. King's College, Lagos (1909)
Established on September 20, 1909 with ten students. It was designed to complement missionary education. Often referred to as the "Architect of King's College," Henry Rawlingson Carr played a key role in its formation.
13. St. John's School, Bida (1909)
One of Niger State’s most prestigious institutions, St. John's School has contributed significantly to the educational advancement of Northern Nigeria.
14. Alhuda-Huda College, Zaria (1910)
It was founded in 1910, and the first Western-style educational institution in Northern Nigeria.
15. Ijebu Ode Grammar School (1913)
A boys-only institution established on January 20, 1913, it remains a cornerstone of education in Ogun State.
16. Eko Boys' High School, Lagos (1913)
This citadel of learning was founded by Methodist Reverend William Benjamin Euba on January 13, 1913, this school aimed to provide quality education for Lagos' underprivileged citizens.
17. Ibadan Grammar School (1913)
Ibadan Grammar School was established on March 31, 1913. It was the first secondary school in Ibadan. It was founded by Bishop A. B. Akinyele, and the establishment played a key role in the spread of Western education.
18. Government Secondary School, Ilorin (1914)
It was originally a Middle School but became a provincial secondary school before evolving into Government Secondary School in 1914. The school has produced numerous prominent Nigerians.
19. Government College, Katsina-Ala (1915)
It was formerly known as Benue School, it was relocated to Katsina-Ala due to a smallpox outbreak and renamed in 1956.
20. Etinan Institute, Akwa Ibom (1915)
The first post-primary school in Ibibio land, Etinan Institute has been instrumental in producing leaders and professionals since the colonial era.
All the Nigerian federal universities established between 2010 and 2025
Meanwhile, TheRadar previously reported the full list of Nigerian federal universities established between 2010-2025.
They include the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin Ekiti, and the Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies, Iragbiji, Osun state, which are the two newly approved federal universities by President Tinubu. He assented to the bill on February 3, 2025.
