Top 15 Oldest Primary Schools in Nigeria

Oldest Primary Schools in Nigeria – Nigeria’s first primary schools were established by Christian missionaries in the mid-19th century as part of efforts to introduce formal Western-style education. These pioneering schools played a pivotal role in laying the foundation for learning and advancing literacy among Nigerian children. Information Guide Nigeria

Here is a look at 15 of the oldest and most historic primary institutions that helped shape Nigeria’s educational landscape:

Read Also: Top 15 Primary School Rankings in Nigeria

The Top 15 Oldest Primary Schools in Nigeria

1. CMS Primary School, Badagry (1845)

Officially founded in 1845 by the Church Missionary Society, this humble small school under a tree in Badagry is widely recognized as Nigeria’s first primary school. It marked the genesis of modern schooling in the country. Oldest Primary Schools. Oldest Primary Schools

2. St. Saviour’s School, Lagos (1846)

Started as a boys-only primary school by the CMS, St. Saviour’s is one of the oldest schools still open today. It has relocated several times from its original site in the Ebute-Metta area of Lagos.

3. Annie Walsh Memorial School, Freetown, Sierra Leone (1849)

Established by CMS missionaries from Nigeria, this pioneer school educated many future Nigerian leaders. Its early reach and influence make it one of Nigeria’s most historic primary schools.

Read Also: The 15 Most Expensive Primary School in Nigeria

4. Cathedral School, Lagos (1867)

Founded in 1867 as St. Peter’s School by Rev. Nathaniel Temple Hamlyn of the Baptist Mission, this leading Lagos primary institution is the oldest surviving school in Nigeria. 15 Best Music Streaming Service in Nigeria

5. St. Gregory’s College, Lagos (1876)

Founded as a Catholic primary school, St. Gregory’s eventually became one of Nigeria’s most prestigious secondary schools. The current primary section traces its roots to 1876.

6. Methodist Boys’ High School, Lagos (1878)

Beginning as a primary school of the Methodist Mission, MBHS has grown into one of Nigeria’s top secondary schools while retaining its primary branch. 15 Best Glutathione Soap in Nigeria

7. Bishop Crowther School, Lagos (1887)

Named after revered Anglican bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther, this CMS school has its origins as a Yoruba-language primary school in 1887.

Read Also: 15 Best Schools of Midwifery in Nigeria

8. Holy Trinity Primary School, Onitsha (1897)

Founded by the CMS, Holy Trinity is one of eastern Nigeria’s oldest schools. It is still running its primary section as part of Holy Trinity Secondary School. NYSC Portal

9. Dennis Memorial Grammar School, Onitsha (1885)

Established in Onitsha by the Church Missionary Society in 1885, this pioneer institution was originally called the Trinity School.

10. St. Mathias Primary School, Abeokuta (1896)

Founded in 1896 by the Anglican mission, St. Mathias is one of western Nigeria’s oldest surviving primary institutions.  JAMB Portal

11. St. Andrew’s College, Oyo (1896)

Beginning as a primary school in Oyo State, St. Andrew’s grew into one of the country’s most prestigious secondary colleges. Its primary branch remains open.

Read Also: Top 30 Best Secondary Schools in Delta State

12. Scottish Church College, Calabar (1846)

Established by Scottish Presbyterian missionaries, this eastern school’s foundation goes back to the 1840s. It was one of Calabar’s earliest primary schools. JAMB Result

13. Hope Waddell Training Institution, Calabar (1895)

Opening in Calabar in 1895, this pioneering primary and teacher training school was started by the Presbyterian Church of Scotland Mission. 200 romantic love message for her

14. Baptist Academy, Lagos (1855)

Founded in 1855 by the American Baptist Mission, this institution ranks among Nigeria’s oldest Baptist primary schools. 105 good morning messages

15. CMS Elementary School, Ikija (1897)

Started in 1897 in present-day Ogun State, this school was an early Church Missionary Society primary institution in western Nigeria.

Read Also: 10 Challenges Facing Primary Education In Nigeria

Conclusion

The pioneering efforts of Christian mission groups were instrumental in birthing formal primary education throughout Nigeria. These historic schools and others injected a model of Western education that has endured and expanded nationwide over 170 years later. Their legacy is an educational foundation benefiting millions of Nigerian children.

Check JAMB Result

Check and Confirm: How much is Dollar to Naira

📢 We are hiring writers!