Charterhouse, a 400-year-old leading British independent school, has opened in Lagos (Lekki area), and aims to deliver prestigious British education in Nigeria (video links below). The campus is impressive, but in the spirit of African nation-building we must ask a few preliminary questions:
- Who is ensuring their curriculum educates students on their African identity and heritage, instills patriotism, and empowers them to use their abilities to develop Nigeria and Africa?
- Are there periodic government curriculum audits to ensure the school aligns with a national educational agenda for Nigerian students? Is there even a national vision?
- Why has Nigerian leadership not defined and designed its own unique education system as the national standard—one taught in buildings that reflect ennobled, indigenously designed architecture?
- What about most Nigerians who attend dilapidated, underfunded public schools? Where is their help? Who is securing their future?
- At ₦42 million per year, how accessible is this education to the average Nigerian, let alone the poor? Did the government mandate a certain number of seats be reserved—via lottery—for underprivileged children from various regions to attend for free?
I appreciate Charterhouse’s efforts, but this is yet again another colossal failure of Nigerian leadership that reflects Africa generally —a leadership always imitating foreign models rather than creatively forming its own indigenous institutions. Additionally, the chronic neglect of public education that leaves most Nigerian children without a level playing field. Where is genuine leadership? We see the problem —now it is our duty to change it!
~Dr. Ikenna Ezealah
“Builder of the African Future”
Charterhouse Lagos Purpose-built Campus
Charterhouse Lagos Campus Highlights
Charterhouse Lagos Launch and Press Conference
Nation Upbuilding 