With an increasing demand for a global standard of learning and state-of-the-art facilities, premium education has become big business in Lagos.
These institutions offer not just academics, but entire ecosystems designed to rival top international schools, complete with modern campuses, international curricula, and highly trained faculty.
For many affluent families, enrolling their children in these schools is not just an academic decision; it’s a lifestyle investment.
But behind the polished hallways, sprawling campuses, and hefty school fees lies an equally intriguing layer.
Who exactly owns these institutions charging millions of naira per term in Lagos?
While some are run by private individuals passionate about education, others are backed by foreign investment groups, diplomatic institutions, and even royal families. Some schools operate as purely philanthropic missions, while others are profit-driven enterprises targeting Lagos’s wealthy elite.
Here are the people behind some of the most prestigious and expensive secondary schools in Lagos.
Meadow Hall is owned by Dr. Kehinde Nwani, a trained lawyer and education entrepreneur who founded the school in 2002.
After earning a law degree from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) and being called to the Nigerian Bar over 35 years ago, she practised law for 14 years.
Nwani left her legal career to pursue her passion for education after struggling to find a school that matched her vision for her child. A more balanced, well-rounded education that nurtures both intellect and character.
She observed that while British and American schools encouraged creativity and critical thinking, they often lacked cultural grounding. In contrast, Nigerian schools focused heavily on content but offered little in terms of analytical reasoning or creativity.
She envisioned a school model that would offer both the development of children’s minds while keeping them rooted in their heritage and values. This led to the establishment of Meadow Hall, a hybrid institution that blends the British National Curriculum with key elements of the Nigerian Curriculum.
Over time, Meadow Hall evolved into the Meadow Hall Group, which includes several education-focused initiatives
Meadow Hall charges annual fees ranging from N5.5 million for Year 7-9 and N6.3 million for Year 11 & 12 for day students.
Boarding students’ annual fees range from N9.7 million for Year 7-9 and N10.4 million for Year 11 & 12.
