Starting a small private school

Is it your goal to start a private school in Nigeria?

It’s important to think about opening a school. Don’t worry if you don’t know where to begin while planning to build a school in Nigeria.

Here, you will learn all you need to know to start and run a nursery, primary and secondary school successfully in Nigeria right here!

The only goal of this post is to provide you with as much information as possible on opening a private school in Nigeria.

Statistics show that daily childbirth contributes to Nigeria’s growing population.

This motivates parents to enroll their children in classes. Assuming you are fortunate enough to get one, you will see a marked improvement in your financial standing. It’s a profitable enterprise to construct educational facilities.

Let’s pause for a minute and consider the historical context of education in Nigeria, namely the establishment of pre-schools, elementary schools, and high schools before we delve into requirements and how to start a private school.

History of the School’s Founding in Brief

Education was encouraged among the many ethnic communities prior to colonialism. Vocational training was the primary option for schooling back then.

Robert Owen, in 1816, established the nursery school as a kind of early childhood education with the goal of fostering the full intellectual and social potential of each child.

In the 19th century, a Methodist mission established the first elementary school in Badagry, a border town. At this time, you may find Topo. The ancient structure, however, is still standing. When it first opened, it wasn’t the only school around; soon after, others sprung up.

The institution was known as the Nursery of Infant Church. The year 1843 marked its inception as an entity apart from the rest of the world. Originally a nursery, St. Thomas’s Anglican School is now a secondary institution.

Education based on Islamic principles was tolerated in the North. Informed Muslims voted in favor of it. It took a long time for people in the North to warm up to western education since its primary purpose was to convert “pagans” to Christianity.

The Bishop Crowther Local Government Area (LGA) in the city of Lokoja, Kogi state, was established in 1865 by an Anglican Missionary.

Since nothing was said about the institution, nobody knows whether it was successful.

In Lagos, Nigeria, the colonial authority opened a government elementary school specifically for Muslim kids as a response to their reluctance to attend missionary schools. It was officially recognized as Nigeria’s first government-run school when it opened here.

Types of Education in Nigeria

There are three types of education in Nigeria namely: Islamic, Traditional, and Western Education.

Islamic Education

The education of Muslims is known as Islamic Education. They take some kind of initiative to better themselves intellectually. The emphasis is on getting them to do the right thing by Allah and by other people.

Traditional Learning

The pupils in a traditional classroom are passive recipients of the knowledge their lecturers provide. The emphasis is on instilling morals and traditions.

Western Education

Education in the West is for Westerners. There is an emphasis on using scientific knowledge and technological progress to improve people’s social lives.

A Look at the Nigerian Educational System

The 6-3-3-4 educational model is used in Nigeria. In other words,

There are six (6) years of elementary school.

• Junior high school (primary school) lasts for three (3) years.
• High school students (secondary) spend three (3) years at this level of education.
• A minimum of four (4) years in a university or college (University)

social studies, mathematics, Christian religious studies (for Christian students) or Islamic studies (for Muslim students), English, science disciplines, and one of the three indigenous languages like Igbo, Hausa, and Yoruba are only some of the numerous topics covered in elementary schools.

Creative arts, French, and computer science are just a few of the electives that may be taken in a private elementary school.

Writing Common Entrance Examination

It was mandated that students take a test to enter secondary schools funded by the federal government or the state.

CMS Grammar School was the first of its kind, marking the beginning of secondary education. Established in June of 1859.

The Church Missionary Society established this private institution of higher education. Secondary education has been around ever since.

The methodical framework is still widely used in today’s classrooms. Now that we’ve known how education came into existence, let’s take a look at the requirements necessary for starting a private school in Nigeria.

Requirements Necessary for Starting a Private School

In Nigeria, in order to establish a nursery, primary, or secondary school, one must fulfill the following requirements:

• Developing a Plan
• Financial Capability
• School’s Location
• School Objectives
• Government Policies

Before beginning school, it is important to take all of this into consideration.

Developing a Plan

The planning involved in establishing a school in Nigeria is not something that can be done in a day.

The use of adequate planning is an important instrument. You need to be able to articulate the reasons behind your desire to launch a school. Think about the dangers that are associated with it.

You should eradicate from your mind the thought of opening a school with the sole intention of making cash as soon as possible.

Establishing a new school requires a significant amount of work on many fronts.

Financial Capability

Forget about opening a school if you do not possess the necessary financial resources.

To get started, your only options are to borrow money from a bank or a friend or to utilize the money that you have saved up on your own. You will need to find a way to pay for your education.

When your school seems more appealing to potential kids and students, you will notice an increase in enrollment.

Before your school can be considered standardized, it is necessary to construct an attractive school building, provide a sufficient number of school infrastructures, pay your instructors, and so on. Money is necessary for all of these things.

School’s Location

The location of your school is a very important factor to consider.

As soon as your school is built in an area where parents do not like sending their children to school, where there is low income in the community, and where the students and pupils prefer getting rich without ever seeing the four walls of classrooms, you will notice that your school will not be as populated as you had anticipated when it comes to enrollment numbers.

Prior to the opening of a school, much consideration has to be given to the establishment’s physical location.

Set the School’s Objectives

It is a highly ominous sign to open a school with a certain goal in mind. It is necessary for you to choose a path in which you would want to lead your school if you wish to be successful.

The goal of education is to ensure that every student who attends your institution makes progress in the aspects of life that are considered to be advantageous.

In the classroom, the social world, one’s relationship with God, the cultivation of future leaders via portfolio building, etc.

When none of these goals are accomplished, the mission of the educational institution will not have been served.

It is not essential to give youngsters permission to misbehave at school in order to earn money.

Government Policies

Because of the government’s lackadaisical attitude toward nursery, primary, and secondary schools in Nigeria, there is a greater demand for the establishment of new primary and nursery schools.

This is especially true in light of the fact that the government is currently giving nursery, primary, and secondary schools in Nigeria a lower priority.

When compared to public schools, the general public believes that the level of education provided by private institutions is of higher quality.

This is due to inadequate facilities in certain government schools as well as an inability to compensate teachers for their work.

Every mother and father are doing all in their power to get their kids into a prestigious private school because they think the facilities there are superior.

Because of this, a significant number of people who work for the government get their children enrolled in private schools.

How to Successfully Establish a Private School in Nigeria

To successfully start a private school in Nigeria, you must follow the guide below:

• Acquire or Sign a Lease for a Land

• Erect an Acceptable Educational Establishment

• Choose Your School’s Name

• Design a Unique and Stunning Uniform for your School

• Select an Institutional Slogan and Insignia

• Ensure there is Adequate Infrastructure and Social Amenities

• Recruitment of Skilled and Qualified Personnel

• Have your School Registered with the Nigerian Government

• Select an Academic Curriculum for your School

• Achieve a Level of Proficiency Necessary to Run Your Own School

1. Acquire or Sign a Lease for Property

Get some property and construct a school on it, or just purchase or rent a nice place to hold classes.

As I said before, the school’s physical location is a crucial factor to think about when first getting the school off the ground.

Once you’ve found a suitable spot, you may buy or lease land and construct a school on it, or you can buy or rent a secure, pleasant facility for educational purposes.

Schools shouldn’t be located on busy streets or near other sources of distraction.

Choose the most affordable option. If you have low tuition costs, you should try to find a home or business that costs less overall.

Land and construction costs shouldn’t account for a disproportionate share of your budget. But avoid purchasing in an industrial or commercial area. Parents will be put off from enrolling their children in your school as a result.

The value of land varies widely depending on location. These locations are ones you can acquire without having to liquidate your whole property portfolio. Find a good location for your school. There is a dire need for it.

2. Erect an Acceptable Educational Establishment

A vast plot of land is needed for a nursery, primary, and secondary school so that kids are not crammed together.

If your school plans to add a secondary school to its current curriculum, consider the needs of your pupils while designing and constructing a new structure.

It is important that only elementary, middle, and high schools be housed in big enough facilities to meet their combined student body sizes. It’s not good for your health to skimp on living quarters.

Make sure there is enough space for things like a computer lab, a science lab, a music room, and a playground, and that it is safe for students to use. You should make sure the classrooms are spacious, receptive, and properly ventilated.

4. Please Choose Your Institution’s Name

Putting some thought into creating a memorable moniker is crucial. Choose anything that isn’t horrible.

Try to think of a name that will stick with people. There is a correlation between a school’s name and its overall ranking. Name your school something creative, brief, and memorable like “God’s Favour Academy.”

Parents who are seeking God’s blessing in all aspects of their lives will be interested in enrolling their children in your institution. If you want to prevent future confusion, give your school a name that no other institution uses.

5. Create a Stunning Uniform for School

Beautiful objects have a magnetic effect on children. Create an appealing uniform to attract more pupils. Achieve the ideal color scheme by picking the right hues. Sew with flair. Try to differentiate yourself from everyone else. Take the finest route in terms of appearance.

Don’t settle with boring tones or old-fashioned designs. A stylish school uniform might help recruit new students.

6. Select an Institutional Slogan and Insignia

In a classroom setting, particularly an elementary, middle, or high school. The slogan and symbol of your school are crucial.

Choose the drive system that has a focus on learning. Similar to “the pinnacle of brilliance.” Having a slogan like that will make people want to attend your school.

Choose a logo that incorporates the name of the school by having one designed by a professional graphic designer.

7. Ensure there is Adequate Infrastructure and Social Amenities

This is one of the main factors influencing parents’ decisions to switch their children to other schools.

Schools with sufficient infrastructure and social facilities are in high demand among parents and guardians.

With all everything in place, your school can really flourish.

8. School Infrastructure

The following are some examples of necessary facilities and social features in your school:

• Chalks or markers
• Electricity
• Charts
• Test books with assorted authors and versions
• Boards or marker sheets
• Books
• Television
• Computers
• Desks and chairs
• Playing equipment
• Working tools
• Science apparatus
• Sports field, etc

If your educational institution provides all of these, you’re doing well.

9. Recruitment of Skilled and Qualified Personnel

If a school doesn’t have enough good instructors, it won’t succeed.

Educators who don’t have a wide perspective on the material often end up poisoning their pupils. The kids’ ability to learn is hindered.

Hire competent and qualified educators.

Through their efforts, they are communicating with the neighborhood that provided the resources to construct your institution. The effectiveness of a teacher may be gauged by the testimony of their own pupils at home.

It’s important to hire qualified educators rather than amateurs.

The following positions are available for hire at educational institutions:

• Teachers
• Security guards
• Cleaners
• Bursar
• Secretary
• Sport Coach
• Receptionist
• Caterer
• Clerk
• Counselor
• Bus driver
• Nurse
• Librarian, etc.

Improvements to your school might be seen in the form of hiring trained professionals.

10. Have your School Registered with the Nigerian Government

This is the time to pay a visit to the Department of Education. The Corporate Affairs Commission requires that your educational institution be registered (CAC).

One way to do this is to retain the services of a lawyer who can provide the necessary paperwork and offer sound legal counsel. Another way is to get a business name registered agent or do it yourself.

The National Association of Private Schools (NAPPS) is one such organization that will accredit your private school. The company guarantees to keep you informed of all the current happenings.

You may request an inspection of the school after registering.

11. Select an Academic Curriculum for your School

Any educational institution without a set of curricular guidelines is aimless. You must use it as a manual.

You should tailor your school’s curriculum to the needs of the children who will be enrolled in it.

Don’t settle for a curriculum that’s decades old. Get a decent one from the Department of Education.

It’s crucial to complement academic training with extracurricular activities. Plan out the extracurriculars you’d want your pupils to participate in.

There’s more to a school than just classroom instruction and academic advancement.

Adding entrepreneurship classes will also help with the dissemination of knowledge. Participate in film-related field excursions, seminars, etc.

12. Achieve a Level of Proficiency Necessary to Run Your Own School

Due to a lack of direction, several schools have become dispersed. Poor communication between schools, parents, students, and proprietors.

Don’t run a school if your intolerance for others makes you a liability.

• Create a strong foundation for yourself. Confer with experts as required.

How Do Private Schools Earn Money?

There is no public financing for private schools, so they must find alternative ways to make ends meet. Tuition revenues are the main source of income for private schools. The yearly cost of a student’s education may range widely based on factors including the student’s location, the quality of the school, and the subject matter being taught.

Where Do the Drawbacks of Private Education Lie?

Private schools may be too costly for low- and middle-income families, which limits access to those who might benefit the most from it. Many people see private schooling as an unnecessary extravagance.

Is Starting a School a Good Business?

Opening a school gives you the opportunity to make a positive influence in the lives of children every day, while also allowing you to participate in a business trend with bright future prospects.

How Much Do You Need to start a private school in Nigeria?

Typically, a small private school in Nigeria will cost between N15, 000,000 and N20, 000,000 to establish, with start-up expenditures reaching as high as N500,000,000.

Summary

Capital is needed to establish a private school. To succeed, a company must have access to funds. You can’t go where you want to go if you don’t have financial backing. Find a safe location and build your school there. Put aside your concern about money and do this.