12. January 2026
Admin
Private School Fees in Nigeria (2026): What Parents Pay Monthly & Termly
Private school fees in Nigeria continue to rise in 2026 as schools adjust to inflation,
higher operating costs, and increasing demand for quality education.
Fees vary significantly depending on location, curriculum, facilities, and school category.
This guide provides a realistic breakdown of what parents actually pay,
both termly and monthly.
Average Private School Fees in Nigeria (2026)
| School Category |
Termly Fees (₦) |
Estimated Monthly Cost (₦) |
What This Covers |
| Low-Cost Private Schools |
₦50,000 – ₦150,000 |
₦17,000 – ₦50,000 |
Basic facilities, Nigerian curriculum, limited extras |
| Mid-Range Private Schools |
₦200,000 – ₦500,000 |
₦66,000 – ₦166,000 |
Improved facilities, ICT, extracurricular activities |
| High-End Private Schools |
₦600,000 – ₦1,500,000 |
₦200,000 – ₦500,000 |
Strong academics, modern classrooms, small class sizes |
| International / British Schools |
₦2,000,000 – ₦5,000,000+ |
₦666,000 – ₦1,666,000+ |
British/IB curriculum, expatriate teachers, premium facilities |
Note: Most Nigerian private schools charge fees on a termly basis.
Monthly figures are estimated for budgeting and comparison purposes.
Private School Fees by Major Cities (2026)
| City / State |
Typical Termly Fees (₦) |
Market Insight |
| Lagos |
₦300,000 – ₦5,000,000+ |
Highest concentration of premium and international schools |
| Abuja (FCT) |
₦250,000 – ₦4,500,000+ |
Strong demand from civil servants and expatriates |
| Port Harcourt |
₦200,000 – ₦3,500,000 |
Oil & gas influence pushes fees upward |
| Ibadan / Oyo State |
₦150,000 – ₦2,000,000 |
More affordable options with solid academic records |
| Other States |
₦120,000 – ₦2,500,000 |
Wide variation depending on urbanization |
Hidden Costs Parents Often Overlook
Tuition fees are only part of the total cost of private education.
Many parents are surprised by additional charges that can significantly
increase annual spending.
| Additional Cost |
Typical Amount (₦) |
Details |
| Registration / Acceptance Fee |
₦20,000 – ₦150,000 |
Often paid once and non-refundable |
| Uniforms & Books |
₦30,000 – ₦200,000 |
Varies by class level and school standard |
| PTA & Development Levy |
₦15,000 – ₦200,000 |
Charged annually by many schools |
| Transportation (School Bus) |
₦70,000 – ₦400,000 |
Depends on distance and city |
| Meals / Lunch Plan |
₦30,000 – ₦250,000 |
Common in nursery and primary schools |
What This Means for Parents in 2026
Private education in Nigeria has become a major financial commitment.
Parents are advised to look beyond advertised tuition fees and request
a full breakdown of costs before enrollment.
In many cases, a well-managed mid-range private school offers better value
than more expensive options.
Understanding these costs helps families plan effectively,
avoid unexpected expenses, and choose schools that balance affordability
with quality education.
