Typical Fee Bands in Lagos (per term, 2026)
Estimated ranges. Verify the exact current term bill with each school.
| Level | Low | Middle | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nursery & Primary (day) | 30,000 - 80,000 | 80,000 - 250,000 | 250,000 - 800,000+ | Mainland has more low/mid options; island heavily mid/high. |
| Junior Secondary (JSS1-JSS3) | 40,000 - 120,000 | 120,000 - 300,000 | 300,000 - 900,000+ | Strong JSS in emerging areas can still be mid-range. |
| Senior Secondary (SS1-SS3) | 50,000 - 150,000 | 150,000 - 400,000 | 400,000 - 1,200,000+ | WAEC-focused mid-tier schools sit in the middle band. |
| Boarding (per term, excl. levies) | 250,000 - 450,000 | 450,000 - 900,000 | 900,000 - 3,000,000+ | Top international schools charge several million per term. |
| Private universities in/around Lagos | 300,000 - 600,000 | 600,000 - 1,200,000 | 1,200,000 - 3,000,000+ | Per semester. Fees vary widely by course and brand. |
Lagos Zones: Where the Money Goes
Ikorodu, Agege, Ikotun etc.
30,000 - 150,000
Estimated ranges
More low/mid-tier schools; competition keeps prices down.
Surulere, Yaba, Gbagada
60,000 - 250,000
Estimated ranges
Mix of affordable and mid-tier private schools.
Ikeja, Ogba, Magodo
100,000 - 350,000
Estimated ranges
Many 'mid-premium' brands with stronger facilities.
Lekki, Ajah, Victoria Island
200,000 - 800,000+
Estimated ranges
Several of Nigeria's most expensive international schools.
What Parents Actually Pay (Beyond Tuition)
- Registration/acceptance fees - often ₦20,000-₦150,000 when entering a new school, and higher for top brands.
- Uniforms and sportswear - ₦30,000-₦150,000 per child depending on school.
- Books and materials - ₦30,000-₦100,000 per session, more for international curricula.
- Transport/School bus - ₦20,000-₦80,000 per month in many areas.
- Development/PTA levies - fixed termly or yearly levies that can add tens of thousands.
- Boarding extras - medicals, laundry, trunk box, mattress, etc.
A '₦250k per term' school can easily cost ₦350k+ when everything is added; high-end schools can go much higher.
Registration/acceptance fees - often ₦20,000-₦150,000 when entering a new school, and higher for top brands.
Ask whether this is one-time, termly, optional, or required before admission payment.
Uniforms and sportswear - ₦30,000-₦150,000 per child depending on school.
Ask whether this is one-time, termly, optional, or required before admission payment.
Books and materials - ₦30,000-₦100,000 per session, more for international curricula.
Ask whether this is one-time, termly, optional, or required before admission payment.
Transport/School bus - ₦20,000-₦80,000 per month in many areas.
Ask whether this is one-time, termly, optional, or required before admission payment.
Development/PTA levies - fixed termly or yearly levies that can add tens of thousands.
Ask whether this is one-time, termly, optional, or required before admission payment.
Boarding extras - medicals, laundry, trunk box, mattress, etc.
Ask whether this is one-time, termly, optional, or required before admission payment.
When to Consider Changing Schools in Lagos
Common triggers:
- Fees jump by 30-50% in a single session.
- Two or more children are in high-fee schools and the total becomes unmanageable.
- Exam results or teaching quality don't match the fees being paid.
What to do:
Compare school fees against academic fit, commute time, exam outcomes, and the family's full-year cash flow. If the numbers are tight, shortlist alternatives before paying non-refundable charges.
Compare alternativesHow to Use Data to Choose a Lagos School
Compare fee bands
Start with tuition, then add setup charges, transport, boarding, exams, and levies.
Check practical fit
A cheaper school can become expensive if commute, boarding, or support costs are unclear.
Verify before payment
Ask for the current invoice and refund policy before paying admission or acceptance fees.
School fees FAQ
Are these exact school fees?
No. Treat them as planning ranges until the school confirms the current invoice.
What is the biggest hidden cost?
For many families, books, uniforms, transport, boarding items, and term levies change the real first-term total.
Should I compare only tuition?
No. Compare the full first-term cash need and the annual cost before choosing a school.