UK’s Rugby School to set up first West African campus in Lagos

Rugby School, one of the UK’s leading independent schools, is set to open its first West African campus in Nigeria.

The new institution is to be set up in Eko Atlantic City in Lagos by September 2025.

Nick Bacon, Chairman of Rugby School’s governing body, said it looks to initially cater to sixth-form Nigerian students aged 16 and above.

He said the school will provide a broad range of A-level courses alongside sports, arts, leadership, and enrichment programmes.

Bacon said the school aims to prepare students for admission to some of the world’s top universities.

From September 2026, the campus will expand to include both day and boarding students aged 11 to 18.

Bacon said the school will deliver an educational experience that mirrors the standards of its parent school in the UK.

“We are thrilled to bring our educational expertise to Nigeria, a country rich in culture, talent and ambition where we have enjoyed strong ties for many decades,” he added.

Bacon said the Rugby School Nigeria project is the result of a partnership between its parent company and Eko Atlantic.

He said an agreement was struck with Ronald Chagoury, chairman of Eko Atlantic.

The collaboration, Bacon said, is a step toward nurturing future leaders and fostering global connections.

Rugby School Nigeria will join a growing network of international campuses of the institution.

The school’s parent company launched sister campuses in Thailand and Japan in 2017 and 2023 respectively.