Charterhouse’s 30 Million Naira school fees spark outrage, debate among Nigerians
By Dooyum Naadzenga
Charterhouse, a British independent school located in the Lekki area of Lagos State, has ignited a fresh wave of controversy over its tuition fees, which are reported to be around 30 million naira per year.
This debate has gained traction on social media, with many Nigerians expressing their outrage and disbelief at the high costs associated with the school.
Charterhouse is the first African branch of the prestigious UK institution, which has been a leader in British education for over 400 years. The Lagos campus opened its doors to students in September 2024, catering to pupils from Year 1 to Year 6. The school previously faced backlash in April 2024 when its fees were rumored to be as high as 42 million naira annually, alongside a non-refundable registration fee of 2 million naira. This sparked widespread criticism regarding the affordability of such an institution for the average Nigerian family.
The debate resurfaced on January 2, 2025, when a video was shared on X.com (formerly Twitter) by user #itzbasito, showcasing the school’s facilities and claiming that the annual fees were 42 million naira. However, Charterhouse later clarified that the actual fees are less than 30 million naira, which still drew significant criticism from the public.
Many Nigerians took to social media to voice their concerns about the exorbitant fees. Comments included #TheWaleOrire tweeting about the implications of such high fees on educational equality, stating, “If the government can’t regulate school fees, how can we achieve standardized universal basic education?” #OAAdeniji expressed disbelief, saying, “There is no way anyone in Nigeria, earning in Naira, will be paying N42 million per year for a secondary school student, no matter what they are being taught.
This is more than outrageous.” #SandraAdaeze4 criticized the boarding arrangements, commenting, “N30 million a year only to share a room with four other students.” Conversely, some defended the school, arguing that it serves a specific demographic that can afford such fees. Supporters noted that the school offers more than just education; it provides networking opportunities and a unique educational experience.
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In response to the backlash, Charterhouse has maintained that its fees reflect the quality of education and facilities provided. The school’s director of communications emphasized that parents seeking quality education understand that it comes at a cost and are not deterred by the fees. Despite the criticism, the school has no plans to reduce its fees, asserting that it offers value for money.
The controversy surrounding Charterhouse’s fees highlights the broader issues of educational inequality in Nigeria, where access to quality education is often limited to the wealthy elite. As the debate continues, many are left questioning whether such high fees can be justified and what this means for the future of education in the country.
