AdminChoosing a nursery or primary school is one of the biggest decisions Nigerian parents make, and fees are a major part of that decision. Costs range from almost free public schools to elite private schools charging millions of naira per term.
So how much are nursery and primary school fees in Nigeria in 2026? This guide explains typical fees by school type, extra costs parents often forget, differences between cities and how to plan.
Quick Answer: School Fees in Nigeria (Per Term)
| School type | Estimated tuition per term |
|---|---|
| Public primary school | Tuition-free; levies and materials about ₦10,000 – ₦50,000 |
| Low-cost private school | ₦30,000 – ₦150,000 |
| Mid-range private school | ₦150,000 – ₦600,000 |
| High-end private school | ₦800,000 – ₦3,000,000 |
| Elite or international school | ₦3,000,000 – ₦10,000,000+ |
These figures are estimates. Fees vary widely by city, neighbourhood and school reputation.
Public Primary Schools
Under the Universal Basic Education (UBE) Act, basic education in public schools is meant to be free and compulsory. However, parents may still pay for uniforms, books, PTA levies, exam fees and other items. Quality and facilities vary greatly between states and schools.
Extra Costs to Budget For
| Item | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Registration or admission fee (one-off) | ₦10,000 – ₦500,000+ |
| Uniforms and sportswear | ₦20,000 – ₦150,000 |
| Books and stationery (per year) | ₦30,000 – ₦250,000 |
| School bus (per term) | ₦30,000 – ₦300,000 |
| Feeding or lunch (per term) | ₦30,000 – ₦200,000 |
| Development or PTA levy | ₦5,000 – ₦200,000 |
| Extra lessons and after-school care | ₦10,000 – ₦100,000 per term |
| Excursions and special events | ₦5,000 – ₦50,000 |
How City Affects School Fees
- Lagos and Abuja: the highest fees, especially in Lekki, Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Maitama, Asokoro and Wuse 2.
- Port Harcourt: also high, particularly in GRA areas.
- Ibadan, Ilorin, Kano, Kaduna, Enugu and other cities: usually lower for similar quality.
Islamic and Faith-Based Schools
Many Muslim parents choose Islamic schools that combine the regular curriculum with Qur’an and Islamic studies. Fees range from low-cost community schools to premium Islamic schools, broadly similar to the private school tiers above. Separate Qur’anic or Islamiyya lessons may cost extra.
How to Plan for School Fees
- Start saving early, ideally from the baby’s first year.
- Visit several schools and ask for the full fee breakdown, not just tuition.
- Ask about sibling discounts and early-payment discounts.
- Consider location: a good school close to home saves transport costs.
- Check fee increase history so you are not surprised each session.
- Buy uniforms and books early or reuse from older siblings.
Questions to Ask a School
- What is the total cost per term, including all levies?
- Are books, uniforms and feeding included?
- How often do fees increase?
- Are there discounts for siblings or early payment?
- What is the student-teacher ratio?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are nursery school fees in Lagos?
Nursery school fees in Lagos typically range from about ₦50,000 per term in low-cost schools to over ₦3 million in elite schools in 2026.
Are public primary schools free in Nigeria?
Tuition in public primary schools is meant to be free under the UBE policy, but parents often pay for uniforms, books and levies.
How many terms are there in a school year?
Most Nigerian schools run three terms per academic session.
Final Thoughts
The best school for your child is one you can afford consistently, not just for one term. Compare total costs, plan ahead and start saving early.
For more family cost guides, read naming ceremony costs and how much it costs to furnish a 2-bedroom flat in our Marriage & Family Costs category.
Admin