Charterhouse, a prestigious British independent school in Lekki, Lagos, is once again at the center of controversy due to its tuition fees, drawing widespread criticism from Nigerians on social media. The school, which opened its first African branch in September 2024, has been offering education to Year 1 to Year 6 pupils.
This isn’t the first time Charterhouse has faced scrutiny over its fees. In April 2024, the institution was criticized after reports emerged of annual tuition fees reaching up to N42 million, along with a non-refundable N2 million registration fee. This sparked outrage as many Nigerians questioned whether such high costs were accessible to the average family.
The debate reignited on Thursday when a video shared by user #itzbasito on X.com showcased the interior of the school, calling it “the most expensive school in Lagos” with tuition reportedly priced at N42 million per year. While the video claimed that the total cost of tuition and accommodation was under N30 million, the post quickly gained traction, receiving over 9,200 reactions, with many viewers expressing shock at the steep fees.
Some Twitter users voiced strong opinions, with #TheWaleOrire tweeting, “If the government can’t regulate school fees in primary and secondary schools, how can we achieve standardised universal basic education?” He criticized the disparity between the rich and poor, arguing that such fees made education a luxury rather than a right.
Others echoed similar concerns, questioning whether local families could afford the fees. User #OAAdeniji remarked, “No one in Nigeria, earning in Naira, will be paying N42 million per year for a secondary school student.” Others noted that the school’s student body likely consists mainly of expatriates, whose fees are often covered by their employers.
Despite the criticism, some defended the institution. #Arsenicscot tweeted, “The owners of the school know the segment of the population they are targeting,” while #Treazyblaq argued that the fees represent an investment in education, offering valuable networking opportunities.
Charterhouse’s website outlines its fee structure, with tuition ranging from N16.1 million for younger students to N24 million for Year 9. Boarding fees add an additional N5 million for weekly boarding and N7 million for full boarding. In response to previous backlash, the school’s Head, John Todd, clarified that the current fees are N26 million, not N42 million, as initially reported.
The debate continues to highlight the growing divide in access to quality education in Nigeria.
