15. July 2025
Admin
Education Franchising in Nigeria: What You Should Know
Education franchising is rapidly gaining ground in Nigeria, offering entrepreneurs the chance to own and operate schools under established brands. From pre-schools to full secondary institutions, this model comes with both benefits and responsibilities. This guide explains how it works, costs, and what to expect.
Quick Insight: With education franchises, you can start a school with the support of an already successful brand, using their curriculum, name, and operational structure.
1. What Is an Education Franchise?
It is a business model where a school owner (franchisee) uses the name, curriculum, tools, and support of an established school brand (franchisor) in exchange for a fee or profit share.
2. Popular Education Franchises in Nigeria
Some known education brands that offer franchises in Nigeria include:
- Mind Builders School
- British Canadian International School
- Greensprings School (Consulting arm)
- Cambridge Pre-School Franchise
- Bridge International Academies
3. Benefits of Buying a School Franchise
- Use of a trusted brand name
- Access to ready-made curriculum & policies
- Teacher training and onboarding support
- Faster parent trust and school population growth
- Marketing and operations guidance
4. Costs and Financial Commitments
The cost of an education franchise varies by brand and city:
- Initial Franchise Fee: ₦1.5M – ₦10M
- Setup/Building Costs: ₦10M – ₦30M+
- Ongoing Royalties: 5% – 15% of termly fees
- Teacher Training Fees: May be billed separately
5. What the Franchisor Provides
Most education brands offer:
- Curriculum and scheme of work
- Training for staff and school leadership
- School management system or software
- Ongoing branding, marketing and inspections
- Quality assurance and academic audits
6. Your Responsibilities as a Franchisee
- Provide building/facilities according to brand guidelines
- Hire qualified staff as recommended
- Maintain standards and comply with audits
- Manage finances, enrolment, and daily operations
7. Legal Agreements and Protection
Education franchise contracts are binding and typically run for 5–10 years. Ensure:
- You read and understand all legal obligations
- You hire a lawyer familiar with franchising
- You have clarity on exit clauses, renewal, and disputes
8. Things to Watch Out For
- Hidden fees or high royalties
- Inflexible operating terms
- Outdated curriculum or weak support system
- Lack of territory protection (too many schools under same brand)
Final Thoughts
Education franchising is ideal for school investors who want to skip the startup phase and launch with a proven system. But it’s important to weigh the costs, assess the brand's credibility, and ensure it aligns with your vision and community needs.
Note: Not all “education consultants” are authorized to sell franchises. Always verify from the original school brand or education board.
