Boarding schools in Nigeria, have a long history of making well-rounded students who are very disciplined, confident, and good at school.
They don’t just teach kids lessons from books but show them how to be independent, how to manage their time, and also how to get along with others, which will help them for the rest of their lives.
But before a child can get all of these benefits, the parents need to know how admissions work.
Every school has its own way of doing things, but most follow a similar pattern – asking for certain documents, giving tests, holding interviews, and checking health status.
This guide makes everything easy to understand.
Admission Requirements for Nigerian Boarding Schools
A lot of boarding schools in Nigeria have the same basic requirements, but the details may be different from school to school. Here are some general requirements you can expect.
#1. Age Requirement
Most boarding schools allow children into Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS1) at 10 years old and above. This is how the Nigeria’s 6-3-3-4 system works, children get to start primary school when they are 4-6 years of age and finish between 10 – 12 years of age.
Although there are rumors going around that the entry age will be raised to 12, but the official age is still 10 and above for entering JSS1.
#2. Educational Background
To be eligible, applicants must have finished at least Primary 6 or an equivalent level in a recognized school. If you’re moving your child from one school to another, you’ll need a transfer certificate, a school testimonial, or a letter of recommendation from the old school.
#3. Health and Independence
Because boarding school means living away from home, schools want kids who can take care of themselves. Your child should be able to wash their clothes, take a bath, and keep themselves clean without much help. Schools also want students to be healthy. If a student has a medical condition that needs constant supervision, it could affect their admission and must be communicated to the school as failure to do so could actually lead to withdrawal later on.
#4. Required Documents
Every boarding school in Nigeria has a documentation checklist for admitting students. Common items include:
- Birth certificate
- Proof of state of origin
- Valid parent or guardian contact detail
- Medical fitness certificate (some schools insist on hospital-issued reports)
Passport photographs - Optional attestation letter from previous school, in order to confirm the behavior and academic performance of the child.
#5. Behavior and Appearance
Discipline is a very huge part of Nigerian boarding school. A lot of schools won’t accept students who have tattoos, body piercings, or a history of bad behavior. They want students who can handle a structured setting.
These rules aren’t just for show, they help schools find students who are emotionally and physically ready for the challenges of living in a dorm.
Step-by-Step Admission Process
The usual steps for getting into a boarding school in Nigeria are as follows, even though each school has its own way of doing things:
- Research and Choose Schools
Make a list of the schools that meet your child’s needs and your budget. International curricula are used in private schools while public schools use the Nigerian curriculum. Think about the school’s focus, the number of students in each class, the activities outside of school, and the boarding facilities.
- Submit Application Form
Once you’ve made your list of schools, get the admission form by buying it or downloading it. Most schools now let you apply online, but you can still do it in person. Forms usually cost between ₦10,000 and ₦15,000.
- Payment Confirmation
After paying the application fee, you’ll need to submit proof of payment either via email, WhatsApp, or direct upload. Only then will the school confirm your child’s examination date.
- Entrance Examination
Entrance exams are compulsory for almost all schools. Most schools require students to take entrance exams. They check your math, English, and general skills. Some schools also teach basic science or how to think logically. These tests can be taken in person or online and are held between February and August, some schools offer extra rounds for late applicants.
- Interview Stage
People who pass the test are asked to come in for an interview, which can be in person or online. This step helps the school figure out how confident the child is, how well they can talk to others, and how ready they are to be on their own.
- Offer of Admission
People who do well get letters saying they’ve been accepted. After that, parents have to pay registration or acceptance fees and send in more paperwork, such as medical forms and passport photos. Some schools accept students all year round, but most stop accepting students in August before school starts again in September.
- Orientation and Resumption
Schools hold orientation sessions for new students and their parents before the start of the term. These sessions help families get used to the rules, routines, and expectations of boarding school.
Top Nigerian Boarding Schools and Their Admission Details
Here is a quick list of some of Nigeria’s best boarding schools and what their specific admission requirements:
#1. Loyola Jesuit College, Abuja
Admission requirements: A written test comes first, followed by an interview.
Fees: Estimated at ₦2.8 million a year.
Facilities: Science labs, libraries, sports courts, and strict discipline.
#2. Day Waterman College, Ogun State
Admission: Application form and evaluation; school leaders take care of questions immediately.
Fees:Estimated at ₦3.7 million a year.
Facilities: Sports complex, science labs and modern hostels.
#3. American International School, Lagos (AISL)
Admission: Application fee ₦287,903, plus ₦5.77 million registration.
Fees: Estimated at ₦13.3 million a year.
Curriculum: American system with multicultural exposure.
#4. Lekki British School, Lagos
Admission: Selective exam and interview.
Fees: Estimated at ₦4 million per year.
Facilities: Art rooms, labs, sports areas, modern dorms.
#5. Grange School, Ikeja, Lagos
Admission: Interview and assessment.
Fees: Estimated at ₦4.5 million per year.
Curriculum: British system up to IGCSE and A-Levels.
#6. Charterhouse Lagos
Admission: Online application for Years 1–9.
Fees: Around ₦42 million, including ₦2 million registration fee.
Specialty: One of Nigeria’s most luxurious schools; boarding from Year 5.
#7. Olashore International School, Osun State
Admission: Holistic evaluation.
Facilities: 60-hectare campus with agricultural training and leadership programs.
#8. Greensprings School, Lagos
Admission: Standard application and assessment.
Facilities: Modern hostels, Wi-Fi, and wellness-focused environment.
#9. Emerald Schools, Lagos/Ogun
Admission: Entrance exams in February and March 2025.
Curriculum: Blends Nigerian and international systems.
#10. Ray Jacobs Boarding School, Imo State
Admission: Entrance exams open for JSS1.
Age Requirement: 10 years and above.
Other high-ranking names include British International School, Lagos (₦4.48 million) and Hillcrest School, Jos (₦2.65 million).
Smart Tips for Parents
Here are some parental tips for parents:
Apply early: Most schools stop taking applications months before resumption.
Visit campuses: Don’t rely only on websites. Check dorms, classes, and facilities yourself.
Budget realistically: Top schools charge millions yearly. Add uniforms, books, and transport costs.
Check accreditation: Make sure the school is approved by relevant education boards.
Prepare your child: Emotional readiness matters as much as academics. Teach basic chores and self-care.
Ask about scholarships: A few schools offer merit-based or need-based aid that is worth exploring.
Conclusion
It can be hard to get your child into a Nigerian boarding school of choice sometimes, but with good planning, it becomes easier. Get started early, collect the necessary paperwork, and learn how each school works. Look for a school that fits your child’s strengths, not just its reputation.
Choosing a school that helps your child grow in both mind and character is more important than whether you want them to go to a top-tier school like Loyola Jesuit or a more affordable public school.
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Reference
Edugist.org: Admission Guide for Nigerian Secoondary Schools