Here Come the Brits

The best of British arrives Lagos. In September 2025, two of the United Kingdom’s leading boarding schools will open the doors of their Lagos, Nigeria branches for business. Rugby School Nigeria and Charterhouse School Lagos are two of the UK’s original nine independent schools, speaking to what some may call an impeccable pedigree.

The Deputy British High Commissioner, Mr Jonny Baxter, on Wednesday, 19 March 2025 proudly played host to the launching of Rugby School Nigeria at his residence at Oyinkan Abayomi, Ikoyi. The delightful event in his spacious compound, typical of most Ikoyi homes, played host to an array of guests which included businessmen, professionals, government functionaries, members of the Diplomatic Corp and other foreign dignitaries. Of course, top management of Rugby School Nigeria were also on hand to discuss with prospective parents of the school.

Located in highbrow Eko Atlantic City, the school fees which certainly will not come cheap does however promise to be justified to the penny by the state of the arts facilities that are already being put in place. The aptly named Principal, Dr Adam England said as much in his welcome address, “We are committed to academic excellence and character development, while fostering a strong sense of global identity in our students. Our campus is designed to inspire students to develop the skills and mindset necessary for success.”

With the increasing number of foreign investors deciding to call Nigeria their home, it is becoming quite obvious that Rugby and Charterhouse are just the first of many more UK independent schools that will establish branches in Nigeria, making available here in Nigeria, that quintessential UK boarding school experience, generally regarded as the world’s best.

Well, as the saying goes, practice makes perfect, therefore such an accolade should not come as a surprise. Rugby School UK was founded by Royal Charter in 1567. They have had plenty of practice.