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.
Executive Chairman, Huntington Education, Mr. Gordon Zhao
Charterhouse Lagos is owned and operated by Huntington Education Group, a Chinese investment company that acquired Charterhouse UK in 2016 from the City of London Corporation (the previous owner of Charterhouse UK).
Huntington Education Group is pursuing a strategy to build a global network of Charterhouse-branded British international schools.
Key figures include:
- Gordon Zhao: Executive Chairman of Huntington Education Group
- Patty Liu: Vice-Chair of Huntington Education Group
Charterhouse Lagos was officially launched in September 2023, with its primary school opening to students in September 2024. The secondary school is set to open for Years 7, 8, and 9 in September 2025, with plans for Years 10 (IGCSE) and 12 (A-Levels) by September 2026.
The tuition fees for the school vary by year group; for year 7 and year 8, the tuition is N21.7 million per session. Year 9 students pay N24.5 million annually.
In addition to tuition, full boarding costs N7 million per annum. An application fee of N2 million, which is non-refundable, is also required.
