Secondary education in Nigeria dates back to the 19th century when Christian missionaries and colonial governments set up schools to meet the needs of a growing society. These schools played a significant role in the country's educational development. Here’s a list of the 10 oldest secondary schools in Nigeria and their founding years:
List of 10 Oldest Secondary Schools in Nigeria
|
School Name |
Location |
Year Established |
Founder/Establishing Body |
|
CMS Grammar School |
Lagos, Lagos State |
1859 |
Church Missionary Society (CMS) |
|
King's College |
Lagos, Lagos State |
1909 |
British Colonial Government |
|
Igbobi College |
Lagos, Lagos State |
1932 |
Private (Christian Mission) |
|
Epsom College |
Ibadan, Oyo State |
1900 |
Colonial Government |
|
St. Patrick's College |
Calabar, Cross River State |
1903 |
Church Missionary Society (CMS) |
|
Zaria College |
Zaria, Kaduna State |
1907 |
British Colonial Government |
|
Federal Government College |
Sokoto, Sokoto State |
1907 |
British Colonial Government |
|
Awka Grammar School |
Awka, Anambra State |
1909 |
British Colonial Government |
|
Olashore International School |
Osun State, Osun |
1905 |
Private (Christian Mission) |
|
St. John's College |
Lagos, Lagos State |
1902 |
Church Missionary Society (CMS) |
Notable Mentions
- CMS Grammar School, Lagos, established in 1859 by the Church Missionary Society (CMS), is the oldest secondary school in Nigeria. It was established to provide advanced education, particularly for young boys, in Lagos.
- King's College, Lagos, founded in 1909, was one of the most prestigious schools during the colonial era. It was established by the British colonial government to provide quality education for the elite in Nigeria.
- Igbobi College, Lagos, established in 1932, was founded by a Christian mission and has a rich history of producing well-rounded leaders, scholars, and professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the oldest secondary school in Nigeria? The oldest secondary school in Nigeria is CMS Grammar School, Lagos, which was founded in 1859 by the Church Missionary Society (CMS).
2. Who founded King's College Lagos? King's College, Lagos, was established by the British colonial government in 1909 to provide advanced education to the children of the elite.
3. Are these schools still operational today? Yes, all of these schools are still operational today and have evolved into some of the most prestigious and respected secondary schools in Nigeria.
4. What role did missionaries play in Nigeria's secondary education system? Missionaries, particularly from the Church Missionary Society (CMS), played a key role in the establishment of the first secondary schools in Nigeria, focusing on providing quality education to local children.
5. How has Nigeria's secondary education system evolved since these schools were founded? Since the founding of these early schools, Nigeria's secondary education system has expanded significantly, with many more public and private institutions offering quality education at the secondary level across the country.
These early secondary schools in Nigeria set the stage for the country’s educational development. They continue to influence the quality of education in Nigeria today and contribute to the nation’s educational excellence.
