Charterhouse: What to know about Nigeria’s primary school that charges ₦42m annually per student

In Nigeria, the tradition of exclusive primary education catering to the desires of affluent families has long been established. 

However, the unveiling of Charterhouse Lagos, a new primary school targeting children aged five to eight, has stirred up a storm of controversy on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter). 

While Charterhouse School has been a prestigious institution in the UK, the upcoming launch of the school in Lagos promises to offer parents the opportunity to provide their children with a top-tier educational experience, boasting slogans such as “Privilege, Prestige, Presence” and “Inspired by Britain, delivered in Lagos.” 

The construction of Charterhouse Lagos in Lekki is still underway, but it’s the exorbitant price tag that has ignited outrage. Prospective pupils must undergo a rigorous application process, including a hefty ₦2 million application fee, which does not even cover tuition costs.

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Annual tuition fees, as seen in a shared screenshot on X, range from ₦31.5 million to ₦42 million, with the latter reserved for “founding students” seeking to capitalize on the promise of social and academic success.

Here’s what you should know about Charterhouse:

Expensive Primary Education Culture in Nigeria: Expensive primary education, where pupils learn privileged skills like horse riding, has been a norm among affluent Nigerians.

Introduction of Charterhouse Lagos: Charterhouse Lagos, a new primary school launching in Nigeria, is set to cater to wealthy parents seeking to provide their children with a competitive advantage in academics and social development.

Price Tag Shock: The exorbitant fees of Charterhouse Lagos, including a ₦2 million application fee and annual tuition ranging from ₦31.5 million to ₦42 million, have sparked outrage and frenzy on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter).

Privileged Education with a British Touch: Charterhouse Lagos promises to offer a British-inspired education, emphasizing privilege, prestige, and presence, which further adds to the appeal for affluent families.

Construction in Progress: Despite ongoing construction in Lekki, where the school will be located, the announcement of the school’s fees has drawn significant attention and criticism.

Registration Process: Prospective pupils must undergo a rigorous registration and validation process to ensure eligibility for application, adding another layer of exclusivity to the school.

Overall, the high cost of admission and tuition at Charterhouse Lagos has ignited debates about accessibility, privilege, and the disparities in educational opportunities in Nigeria.