While private secondary schools dominate headlines with flashy facilities and international affiliations, many public secondary schools in Nigeria have maintained solid reputations for academic performance, discipline, and character development. In 2025, several government-funded schools continue to produce some of Nigeria’s top WAEC and UTME performers, with strong alumni networks and nationwide respect.
This updated list of the 10 best-rated public secondary schools in Nigeria showcases institutions that have risen above funding and infrastructure challenges to deliver quality education and national achievements.
Top 10 Best Rated Public Secondary Schools in Nigeria 2025
1. King’s College, Lagos
- Location: Lagos Island, Lagos State
- Established: 1909
- Type: Federal Government Boys’ College
- Highlights:
- Consistent WAEC excellence
- Top UTME performers
- Rich legacy and alumni presence in leadership
- Why It’s Top-Rated:
King’s College remains the gold standard for public secondary education in Nigeria, known for combining academics, leadership, and tradition.
2. Queen’s College, Lagos
- Location: Yaba, Lagos
- Established: 1927
- Type: Federal Government Girls’ College
- Highlights:
- Top WAEC female distinction records
- Focus on science and leadership for girls
- Alumni in medicine, engineering, and governance
- Why It’s Top-Rated:
QC is a trailblazer in girls' education in Nigeria, with consistent national ranking in science and arts.
3. Federal Government Academy, Suleja (FGA)
- Location: Suleja, Niger State
- Established: 1986
- Type: Gifted Students Academy
- Highlights:
- Designed for exceptionally gifted students
- WAEC and Olympiad champions
- Early university placements
- Why It’s Top-Rated:
FGA is Nigeria’s foremost school for gifted children, with specialized STEM curriculum and national science awards.
4. Federal Government College, Enugu (FGC Enugu)
- Location: Independence Layout, Enugu
- Established: 1973
- Type: Federal Unity School
- Highlights:
- Academic performance in science and literature
- Strong debate and quiz club culture
- Vibrant alumni base
- Why It’s Top-Rated:
Known for producing high WAEC and UTME scores and its emphasis on national unity and discipline.
5. Government Science Secondary School, Maitama, Abuja
- Location: Maitama, Abuja
- Type: State Government Science School
- Highlights:
- Science-focused curriculum
- Regular participants in national STEM competitions
- Good infrastructure for a public school
- Why It’s Top-Rated:
This school is ideal for students pursuing science-based university degrees and consistently ranks high in performance.
6. Federal Government Girls’ College, Owerri (FGGC Owerri)
- Location: Owerri, Imo State
- Established: 1973
- Type: Federal Unity School
- Highlights:
- Top performance in WAEC and NECO
- Focus on female empowerment through academics
- Why It’s Top-Rated:
FGGC Owerri is one of the best-performing girls' unity schools in Nigeria with an emphasis on science, leadership, and morality.
7. International School, University of Ibadan (ISI UI)
- Location: UI Campus, Ibadan, Oyo State
- Established: 1963
- Type: University-Affiliated Public School
- Highlights:
- Blend of Nigerian and British curricula
- Strong record in WAEC, IGCSE, and UTME
- Why It’s Top-Rated:
Known for its rigorous academic training and university preparatory program, ISI is a choice destination for academic excellence.
8. Federal Government College, Ijanikin, Lagos
- Location: Ijanikin, Lagos State
- Established: 1975
- Type: Federal Unity School
- Highlights:
- Produces high-performing UTME candidates
- Active cultural and sporting programs
- Why It’s Top-Rated:
FGC Ijanikin is one of the largest unity schools in Nigeria and continues to lead in academics, especially in arts and commerce.
9. Federal Government Girls’ College, Abuloma (FGGC Abuloma)
- Location: Port Harcourt, Rivers State
- Established: 1975
- Type: Federal Unity School
- Highlights:
- Consistently strong WAEC and NECO results
- Focus on girls' leadership and entrepreneurship
- Why It’s Top-Rated:
FGGC Abuloma is respected for empowering young girls through science and humanities.
10. University of Nigeria Secondary School (UNN Staff School), Nsukka
- Location: UNN Campus, Enugu State
- Established: 1961
- Type: University-Affiliated Public School
- Highlights:
- High number of students admitted into top universities
- Balanced science, arts, and technical programs
- Why It’s Top-Rated:
This school benefits from being on a university campus with access to resources and top-quality teaching staff.
Criteria Used for Ranking
These public schools were selected based on:
- Academic Performance: WAEC/NECO/UTME results
- Student Achievements: National competitions, scholarships, and Olympiads
- Infrastructure Quality: Classroom environment, science labs, hostels
- Discipline and Moral Training: Character development and school culture
- Legacy and Alumni Impact: Prominent past students in leadership, business, and academia
FAQs – Best Public Secondary Schools in Nigeria 2025
**1. Which public secondary school is the best in Nigeria in 2025?
King’s College, Lagos ranks as the best government secondary school in Nigeria in 2025.
2. Are Federal Government Colleges (Unity Schools) better than state schools?
Generally, yes. Unity Schools often have better infrastructure, funding, and nationwide competition for admission, leading to better performance.
3. How can I enroll my child in a Unity School?
Admission is typically through the National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE), organized by the National Examination Council (NECO).
4. Do public schools offer as much value as private schools?
Top-rated public schools offer exceptional value, especially in terms of affordability, alumni network, and discipline, although they may lack the luxury of private institutions.
5. Are these schools free or affordable?
Unity schools are heavily subsidized by the federal government, making them very affordable (₦50,000 – ₦120,000 per year) compared to private schools.
Conclusion
In 2025, Nigeria’s public secondary schools continue to hold their ground, offering quality education, academic discipline, and national pride. From King’s College to Federal Government Academy Suleja, these institutions remain competitive, producing future leaders across various sectors. While they may not boast luxury facilities, their commitment to excellence, integrity, and legacy speaks volumes. If you're seeking affordable yet top-tier education for your child, these 10 best-rated public secondary schools in Nigeria are the perfect starting point.
