The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, has commended the partnership between the United Kingdom and Nigerian governments following the establishment of Charterhouse Lagos School, a $15 million investment in Nigeria’s education sector.
Located on a 70-hectare site in Lekki, Lagos State, Charterhouse Lagos is modeled after Charterhouse UK, a prestigious institution with over 400 years of history.
Speaking at the event, Montgomery attributed the success of the project to strengthened educational ties between both countries, particularly following the signing of transnational education guidelines last year. He explained that the framework, supported by both governments, facilitates UK investments in Nigerian educational institutions, with the British High Commission’s Department of Business and Trade working closely with Nigeria’s Ministry of Education and the National Universities Commission (NUC).
“This is all made possible through the efforts of both governments,” Montgomery said. “We believe education is vital to the UK-Nigeria relationship, given our shared language, values, and growing mutual interests.”
He highlighted concerns over the increasing number of Nigerian students relocating to the UK and expressed hope that projects like Charterhouse would encourage more students to remain in Nigeria, contributing to the country’s development.
“There is now an option for top-quality UK private education within Nigeria,” Montgomery said. “The opening of Charterhouse signals a vote of confidence in Nigeria’s future.”
He added that additional British schools are considering partnerships in Lagos and that several UK universities are preparing to collaborate with Nigerian institutions to offer UK-accredited courses locally.
Montgomery clarified that the initiative is not intended to deter Nigerian students from studying abroad but rather to expand the availability of quality education within the country.
On his part, John Todd, Director of Education at Charterhouse Lagos, said the school aims to offer a holistic education that balances strong academic standards with opportunities in sports, arts, and culture.
“This $150 million investment offers unmatched facilities — better than many universities,” Todd said, noting the upcoming construction of an 800-seat performing arts theatre.
He emphasized that retaining young Nigerians through quality education would make a positive impact on the country’s future.
Explaining the choice of Lagos as the school’s first location, Todd said: “Lagos is the center of excellence and commerce, and the demand for this level of education is strongest here. But watch this space — expansion to other parts of Nigeria is possible.”
Todd also praised the Lagos State Government for its support, particularly the role of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who recently inaugurated the school’s primary section.
“We’ve had tremendous backing from the local community and the Lagos State Government,” Todd said. “The demand for our secondary school has been phenomenal.”
Nzubechukwu Eze.
