Top 15 Oldest Secondary Schools in Nigeria
Oldest Secondary Schools in Nigeria – Nigeria’s first secondary schools emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as the country’s educational system expanded under colonial rule. Built upon primary foundations laid by Christian missionaries, these institutions helped pave the way for quality higher education and leadership development. Information Guide Nigeria
These institutions have contributed significantly to the development of Nigeria and have produced some of the nation’s brightest minds.
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The Top 15 Oldest Secondary Schools in Nigeria
Here are 15 of Nigeria’s most prominent pioneering secondary schools
1. Baptist Academy, Lagos (1855)
First established in 1855 by American Baptist missionaries, Baptist Academy claims the title of Nigeria’s oldest Baptist secondary school. Its origins date back over 160 years. Oldest Secondary Schools
2. CMS Grammar School, Lagos (1859)
CMS Grammar School is the oldest secondary school in Nigeria. It was founded in 1859 by the Church Missionary Society (CMS). The school is located in Bariga, Lagos, and it is one of the most prestigious schools in the country. CMS Grammar School has produced many notable alumni, including Nnamdi Azikiwe, the first president of Nigeria.
3. St. Gregory’s College, Lagos (1876)
St. Gregory’s began as a Catholic primary school in 1876 before becoming a premier secondary college. It is the oldest Catholic college in Nigeria.
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4. Methodist Boys High School, Lagos (1878)
Beginning as a primary school in 1878, Methodist Boys High School rapidly became a leading secondary institution in Nigeria. Its rich history and academic excellence make it one of the country’s most prestigious schools. 15 Best Kinky Hair Extensions in Nigeria
5. Hope Waddell Institute, Calabar (1895)
Established in Calabar in 1895 by the Presbyterian Church of Scotland Mission. It holds foundations as one of Nigeria’s oldest secondary teacher training colleges.
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Live, Study and Work in Canada. No Payment is Required! Hurry Now click here to Apply >> Immigrate to Canada6. Dennis Memorial Grammar School, Onitsha (1895)
Originally founded as Trinity School in 1885 by the Anglican Church missionary society in Onitsha. It formally became a secondary school in 1895. 15 Best Music Streaming Apps with Offline Playback in Nigeria
7. Holy Trinity School, Onitsha (1903)
Beginning as a primary school in 1897, Holy Trinity secondary school ranks among the earliest missionary schools in eastern Nigeria dating back to 1903.
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8. Rumuolumeni School, Port Harcourt (1915)
Initially founded as a primary school in 1915, Rumuolumeni grew into one of the earliest and most prestigious secondary schools in Port Harcourt. NYSC Portal
9. Government College, Ibadan (1929)
Founded in 1929 by the British colonial government as one of Nigeria’s original elite secondary schools for boys.
10. Christ the King College, Onitsha (1933)
Christ the King College traces its roots to a Catholic missionary school founded in Onitsha in 1933. It is one of Nigeria’s oldest church-run secondary schools. JAMB Portal
11. King’s College, Lagos (1909)
Founded in 1909, King’s College is Nigeria’s oldest secondary school. Established by the British colonial government, it was originally created to train colonial administrators and promote elite education among Nigerians.
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12. Rumfa College, Kano (1921)
Opening in 1921, Rumfa College was one of northern Nigeria’s oldest post-primary schools during the colonial era. It was originally exclusively for boys. JAMB Result
13. Queen’s College, Lagos (1927)
Queen’s College was founded in 1927 as one of Nigeria’s original single-sex girls’ schools. It has maintained elite academic status among leading federal government colleges. 200 romantic love message for her
14. Government College, Umuahia (1927)
Established by British colonial authorities in 1927 as one of Nigeria’s first provincial secondary schools. Originally for boys only before becoming co-ed. 105 good morning messages
15. St. Gregory’s College, Ikoyi, Lagos (1928)
Founded by Catholic missionaries in 1928, St. Gregory’s was one of the earliest secondary schools in southern Nigeria. It remains a prestigious institution today.
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Conclusion
From modest beginnings, these pioneering schools and others paved the way for quality secondary education across Nigeria. Their long legacy is evident in the many graduates who became the country’s first doctors, engineers, lawyers, academics and other professionals during the colonial and post-independence eras.
The legacies of these pioneering schools highlight the foundations of formal Western education in Nigeria. Their histories tell the story of Nigeria’s path in expanding access to secondary learning as the building blocks of its educational system.
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