UK Boarding Schools Court Nigerian Students at Abuja and Lagos Education Fairs

Nigerian families will have the opportunity to meet representatives of leading United Kingdom boarding schools and gain detailed insights into academic offerings, extracurricular activities, and student opportunities.

As part of this initiative, top British boarding schools will visit Abuja and Lagos in March for UK Boarding Schools Week 2026, allowing parents and students to engage directly with school leaders and learn more about the educational pathways and experiences available in the UK.

The exhibitions are organised by Mark Brooks Education, led by its founder, Mark Brooks, a UK Department for Business and Trade Export Champion who has been advising Nigerian families on British education for more than 17 years.

In a press release issued on Wednesday, Brooks explained that the programme gives parents and students the chance to meet school heads, explore academic options, and gain firsthand knowledge of British boarding education. He noted that attending families would interact directly with schools known for strong academic performance, robust pastoral support, and diverse co-curricular programmes within inclusive international communities.

Brooks added that the events offer Nigerian families a valuable opportunity to understand how a UK boarding education promotes well-rounded development, preparing students academically, socially, and personally, while opening doors to leading universities, global connections, and long-term personal growth.

Confirmed participating schools include Bromsgrove School, Canford School, Cardiff Sixth Form College, Dean Close School, Downside School, Lancing College, Milton Abbey School, Stamford School, and Wellington School.

School leaders also highlighted the long-standing ties between UK boarding schools and Nigerian families. Alex Battison, Head of Wellington School in Somerset, said the school has a proud history of welcoming Nigerian families and places strong emphasis on supporting each student to reach their full potential.

Michael Punt, Head of Bromsgrove School, noted that the school appeals to West African students due to its wide range of opportunities, combining high-quality teaching and strong examination results with sports, music, drama, outdoor activities, and other enrichment programmes.

Henrietta Lightwood, Global Director at Cardiff Sixth Form College, pointed to the strong academic drive of Nigerian students and their families, noting that outstanding results and access to top universities are key attractions for many.

Attendance at the exhibitions is free, though advance registration is advised. The Abuja event will hold at the Transcorp Hilton on Wednesday, March 4, while the Lagos exhibition is scheduled for The George Hotel, Ikoyi, on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Some schools will also offer pre-booked meetings and a smaller follow-up exhibition on Sunday, March 8.

The public exhibitions are part of a broader week-long programme featuring school visits, student presentations, leadership workshops, and parent receptions in both cities.

Recent figures indicate that over 1,500 Nigerian students were enrolled in preparatory, senior, and sixth-form schools across the UK in 2024.