Renowned for its academic excellence and rich heritage, Rugby School, one of the UK’s leading independent schools, is set to debut in Nigeria in September 2025.

Located in the vibrant Eko Atlantic City, Lagos, Rugby School Nigeria will initially offer a Sixth Form programme for day students aged 16 and above.
The curriculum will focus on academic excellence and a diverse array of extracurricular activities, preparing students for entry into leading global universities.

Starting September 2026, the school will expand to accommodate day and boarding students aged 11 to 18. Rugby School Nigeria’s curriculum will align with the standards of its UK counterpart, offering A-Level courses alongside exceptional programmes in sports, arts, leadership, and enrichment.

Nick Bacon, Chairman of Rugby School’s Governing Body, expressed excitement about the launch, saying:
“We are thrilled to bring our educational expertise to Nigeria, a country rich in culture, talent, and ambition, where we have enjoyed strong ties for decades. Rugby School Nigeria will embody the values, boarding ethos, and standards that have defined Rugby School for centuries, while embracing the opportunities of its dynamic location in Africa.”

This collaboration with Eko Atlantic marks Rugby School’s expansion into Africa, following successful openings in Thailand (2017) and Japan (2023).
Chairman of Eko Atlantic, Ronald Chagoury, described the partnership as a pivotal step in fostering global connections and establishing Rugby School Nigeria as a leader in educational excellence in West Africa.

Rugby School Nigeria’s arrival promises to redefine education in the region, nurturing future leaders and positioning Eko Atlantic as a hub for world-class learning.

***Allocates N58.4b for 2025

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has disbursed ₦116.18 billion in institutional and upkeep loans to students across 176,252 beneficiary institutions as of January 2025.
This initiative, implemented under the Nigerian Student Loan Scheme, has benefited 680,658 students in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, according to the Managing Director of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyer.

Speaking during a budget defense session before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND, Sawyer highlighted that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to remove financial barriers to education.

Of the total disbursed, ₦37 billion was allocated for institutional loans, covering tuition and fees, while ₦78 billion was provided as upkeep loans to support students’ living expenses. “This investment is transforming the lives of Nigerian students and their families,” Sawyer stated, adding that the scheme has eased the financial burden on families, improved academic outcomes, and helped stabilize academic calendars by reducing disruptions caused by financial challenges.

To ensure accessibility, NELFUND has conducted a nationwide sensitization campaign, resulting in 457,621 students registering their interest and 352,796 completing applications. Efforts are ongoing to increase awareness in underserved regions.

However, for the 2025 fiscal year, NELFUND was allocated a modest ₦58.4 billion budget. Of this amount, ₦12.2 billion is earmarked for personnel costs, ₦24.7 billion for overheads, and ₦21.4 billion for capital expenditure.

Presenting the 2025 budget proposal to the committee, Sawyer emphasized the importance of the agency’s role. “The ₦116.1 billion disbursed so far represents not just numbers, but a commitment to empowering the youth and building the nation’s future,” he said.

The joint committee, chaired by Senator Muntari Dandutse and Hon. Gboyega Isiaka, approved the budget proposal through a voice vote. Dandutse called for transparency in spending appropriations, emphasizing the agency’s critical role in bridging financial gaps for students.

“We will evaluate NELFUND’s financial plan for the upcoming fiscal year to ensure alignment with national educational goals and the growing demand for student loans,” Dandutse stated.

The approved budget is expected to bolster the agency’s efforts to expand access to education and support Nigeria’s youth in achieving their academic aspirations.

Award-winning schools from the United Kingdom are set to host the highly anticipated UK Boarding Schools Week in Abuja and Lagos this January, offering Nigerian families insights into world-class educational opportunities abroad.
The exhibition, organized by Mark Brooks Education in collaboration with the UK’s Department for Business and Trade, will take place at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, and The Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos, from Thursday, January 16 to Sunday, January 19, 2025.
Marking 17 years of fostering educational connections between the UK and Nigeria, the event will showcase top-tier boarding schools renowned for academic excellence, pastoral care, and inclusive environments for Nigerian students.
Participating institutions include Aldro Preparatory School, Bromsgrove School, Cardiff Sixth Form College, Concord College, Glenalmond College, Lancing College, Malvern St James Girls’ School, and Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate. Others are St Peter’s School, York, The King’s School, Canterbury, and Wellington School.
Head of Concord College, Dr. Michael Truss, commended Nigerian students for their outstanding performance, saying, “Nigerian students thrive here, consistently achieving top A-level grades and securing admissions to prestigious universities.”
Diana Cree of Lancing College praised Nigerian students for their determination and leadership qualities, adding, “Three Nigerian upper-sixth students have excelled in academics, sports, and debating, earning leadership roles.”
Henrietta Lightwood from Cardiff Sixth Form College highlighted the impressive academic progression of Nigerian students, citing examples of admissions to MIT and Cambridge University.
Mark Brooks, Founder of Mark Brooks Education, emphasized the exhibition’s role in helping parents secure outstanding education for their children.
“These events allow families to explore how UK schools can support academic and personal growth. Many schools now have Nigerian students serving as head boys or girls, reflecting their impact and success,” he said.
The exhibition promises parents and guardians a comprehensive platform to engage directly with school representatives and chart pathways to exceptional educational futures for their children.