Charterhouse Lagos, a prestigious primary school in Lagos, has stirred national discourse with its annual tuition fee of ₦42 million per pupil. The school, known for its exclusivity, requires parents to pay a staggering ₦2 million as an application fee just to express interest in enrolling their children.
According to information from the school’s website, prospective parents must complete an extensive application process and remit the ₦2 million application fee. Successful applicants then face an annual tuition fee of ₦42 million, with a discounted rate of ₦31.5 million available for “founding students.”
Critics and observers have expressed astonishment at the exorbitant fees, with many questioning the accessibility of such education for the average Nigerian. However, management consultant Dr. Dípò Awójídé defended the fees, stating that Charterhouse Lagos caters to the elite, representing only about 1% of the population.
Awójídé highlighted that Charterhouse UK, the school’s counterpart, charges over ₤47,535 per year, equating to over ₦60 million, showcasing the alignment of fees with international standards. He emphasized the prestigious history of Charterhouse, which has educated UK royalty, prime ministers, and notable professionals for over 400 years.
Moreover, Awójídé revealed that Charterhouse Lagos signifies an investment in Nigeria’s education system, offering the country’s elite the opportunity to access world-class education locally. He lauded the school’s initiative in establishing its first African campus in Lagos, a project valued at $150 million, which he believes will further elevate Nigeria’s status in education and attract international attention.
In light of this development, Charterhouse Lagos emerges as a symbol of the evolving educational landscape in Nigeria, providing affluent families with the option to access elite education without the need for international travel.
