The phrase “oldest secondary school in Nigeria” probably brings back memories of solid stone buildings, crisp uniforms, and teachers who didn’t smile much—but left a lifelong mark. For many Nigerians, attending one of these legendary schools wasn’t just about passing exams—it was about stepping into a legacy.
When you talk about Nigerian education, you’re really talking about institutions that helped shape the country. These schools—some of them over 160 years old—were the breeding grounds for some of Nigeria’s brightest minds. Before independence, before even electricity in some towns, these schools were already forming the backbone of Nigeria’s future leaders, thinkers, and professionals.
Historical Roots and Founding Missions
Most of these schools were set up by Christian missionary organizations—like the Church Missionary Society (CMS), Methodist Church, Baptist Mission, and others. Their vision was simple but revolutionary: provide formal education that combines literacy, morality, and leadership. Government schools joined in later, but these early mission schools laid the foundation.
The Top 10 Oldest Secondary Schools in Nigeria
Before Nigeria became a federation, and long before WAEC or NECO were a thing, these schools were already in full swing—preparing students for life, leadership, and legacy. What makes them special isn’t just their age, but the fact that they pioneered the idea of structured learning and set the tone for what education should look like in a country that was still finding its voice.
Here are the top 10 oldest secondary school in Nigeria;
1. CMS Grammar School – The Pioneer
Founded in 1859, Located in Bariga, Lagos, CMS Grammar School isn’t just old—it’s iconic. This is the oldest secondary school in Nigeria, established by the Church Missionary Society. With subjects like Latin, Mathematics, and Religious Studies, the school raised generations of elite Nigerians. Notable alumni? Think Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Nigeria’s first president. It’s the school that started it all.
2. Methodist Boys High School
Founded by the Methodist Church in1878 in Lagos Island (now Victoria Island), this was one of the earliest all-boys schools. Known for discipline and academic excellence, it became a breeding ground for sports stars, public servants, and thinkers. It also helped set the template for what a proper secondary school should look like.
3. Methodist Girls High School
Established in the year 1879, not long after the boys, came the girls. Situated in Yaba, Lagos, this school was a game-changer for female education. It gave young girls a shot at the same quality of education previously reserved for boys. Many alumni have gone on to become trailblazers in education, medicine, and public service.
4. Baptist Academy
Starting as a modest primary school, Baptist Academy evolved into a full-fledged secondary school with strong Christian values. Located in Lagos, it blended religious teachings with tough academic expectations. It’s known for producing generations of upstanding professionals and community leaders. The school was established in the year 1885.
5. Hope Waddell Training Institute
Calabar’s own historic gem. This school, founded in 1895, did something others didn’t at the time—it taught trades like printing and carpentry along with formal subjects. It was founded by the Presbyterian Church of Scotland and raised some of Nigeria’s earliest nationalists and entrepreneurs. You weren’t just book-smart coming out of Hope Waddell—you were job-ready.
6. St. Anne’s School, Ibadan
The first girls’ secondary school in Ibadan and among the oldest in West Africa. Formerly Kudeti Girls’ School, it was started by CMS and gave Ibadan girls access to top-tier education. It became a place where future women leaders were groomed—not just in class, but in confidence and character. Established in the year 1896.
7. Oron Boys’ High School
Founded in the year 1897 down in Akwa Ibom, Oron Boys’ was one of the first schools to serve the South-South region. CMS played a huge role here too. The school focused on building men who could serve in local government, teaching, and agriculture. It planted the seed for formal education in the coastal towns.
8. St. Paul’s College, Awka
Eastern Nigeria got a major educational boost when this Anglican-backed school launched in Awka. Originally focused on training clergy and teachers, it quickly grew into a hub for grooming community influencers and education pioneers. The school was established in the year 1900
9. Wesley College of Science, Elekuro
This one broke the mold. It wasn’t just about English and arithmetic—Wesley was science-driven from the start. It was founded in the year 1905. Based in Ibadan and founded by the Methodist Church, it trained science teachers and technicians who helped power Nigeria’s early industries. A true STEM pioneer.
10. Methodist Boys’ High School, Oron
Another Akwa Ibom entry and another Methodist success story founded in the year 1905. This school opened doors for boys from fishing villages and farmlands to join the educated class. Many went on to become lawyers, doctors, and clergy—proof that access to quality education changes everything.
Conclusion
These aren’t just schools—they’re institutions that helped define what education in Nigeria looks like. If you went to one of them, you weren’t just a student. You were part of a legacy. These top 10 oldest secondary schools in Nigeria show us how far we’ve come—and why it’s so important to keep the foundation strong for future generations.
