10 Oldest Primary Schools In Nigeria And Their Founding Years

Nigeria's formal education system began in the 19th century, with missionaries establishing the first primary schools across the country. These institutions became the foundation of Nigeria's modern educational system. Here’s a list of the 10 oldest primary schools in Nigeria and their founding years:

List of 10 Oldest Primary Schools in Nigeria

Notable Mentions

• St. Thomas Anglican Primary School in Badagry, Lagos State, is widely recognized as the first primary school in Nigeria, established in 1843 by the Church Missionary Society (CMS). It set the stage for the spread of formal education across Nigeria.
• Holy Trinity School in Lokoja, Kogi State, was established in 1865 by Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther. It holds the distinction of being the first primary school in Northern Nigeria, playing a vital role in the region's educational development.
• St. James Primary School in Lagos Island, Lagos State, is another notable institution, founded in 1843 by the Church Missionary Society (CMS). It is one of the earliest schools established in the country, contributing to the spread of education in Lagos.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the oldest primary school in Nigeria? The oldest primary school in Nigeria is CMS Primary School in Lagos, founded in 1842 by the Church Missionary Society (CMS).

2. Who founded the first primary school in Northern Nigeria? The first primary school in Northern Nigeria is Holy Trinity School in Lokoja, Kogi State, founded in 1865 by Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther.

3. How did missionaries contribute to Nigeria's education system? Missionaries, particularly from the Church Missionary Society (CMS), played a crucial role in the establishment of the first formal schools in Nigeria, focusing on literacy and Christian teachings.

4. Are these schools still operational today? Yes, many of these schools are still operational today, evolving into important educational institutions in their respective regions.

5. How has Nigeria's education system evolved since these schools were founded? Since the establishment of these early schools, Nigeria’s education system has expanded significantly. Today, the country boasts a vast network of primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions, providing education to millions of students nationwide.

Nigeria's early primary schools, founded by missionaries, laid the groundwork for the country's educational system, and many of them are still operational, continuing their legacy in shaping Nigeria's future generations.