#Nigeria #Lagos #Wellington College #Alaro City

Wellington College International's First African School to Open in Lagos

Wellington College International has officially announced the launch of its first school in Africa, Wellington College International Lagos, a remarkable step in expanding high-quality British education to the continent. The announcement took place during a ceremony at the distinguished Metropolitan Club in Lagos, attended by key figures from Wellington College Education and Rendeavour, alongside government representatives, business leaders, and members of the diplomatic community.

Planned to commence operations in September 2027, the new school will offer a co-educational boarding and day school experience for approximately 1,500 students aged between 3 and 18. The curriculum will follow the English National Curriculum, tailored to blend the prestigious academic legacy of Wellington College with the unique cultural and educational strengths of Nigeria and the surrounding region. This holistic approach aims to cultivate not just scholars, but well-rounded individuals with strong leadership qualities and character.

Situated in Alaro City, an ambitious new development designed by Rendeavour within the Lekki Free Zone, the school is set on a 12.5-hectare campus. The design, executed by the award-winning British firm MICA Architects, will feature state-of-the-art facilities that cater to various disciplines including academic studies, sports, music, the arts, and well-being. Notably, the campus will be at the forefront of integrating modern innovations such as artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship into its educational framework.

Among the impressive amenities, Wellington College International Lagos will boast a 50-metre Olympic-size swimming pool, becoming the first private school in Lagos with such a facility. Additionally, a cutting-edge performing arts theatre, a fully equipped medical center, integrated STEM laboratories, an indoor sports complex, versatile outdoor courts, a 400-meter athletics track, and a full-size rugby pitch will all enhance the student experience.

Paresh Thakrar, the Managing Director of Wellington College International, emphasized that this partnership lays a strong foundation for educational excellence. He noted, "Wellington College's esteemed reputation as the UK's leading co-educational institution, coupled with Rendeavour's expertise in developing Africa's most ambitious new urban spaces, sets a transformative precedent for education across the continent."

Stephen Jennings, Founder and CEO of Rendeavour, highlighted the pivotal role of education in Africa's sustainable growth. He stated, "Wellington College International Lagos signifies a crucial investment in Africa's future, enabling the emergence of a new generation of leaders poised to drive innovation, prosperity, and inclusive development throughout the region."

The establishment of this school further solidifies Alaro City’s vision as a comprehensive urban ecosystem. Spanning across 2,000 hectares, Alaro City is being developed to include residential areas, commercial and industrial sectors, educational institutions, health services, hospitality, and expansive green and recreational spaces totaling over 150 hectares.

The launch of Wellington College International Lagos marks a significant milestone as the first Wellington College school in Africa and the eleventh globally. This new addition joins a network of esteemed institutions across the UK, China, Thailand, Indonesia, and India, collectively educating over 10,000 students worldwide.