By John Moses
The British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Jonny Baxter, has visited the future site of Rugby School Nigeria, currently under construction in Eko Atlantic City, Lagos. The school is a significant addition to the region’s educational landscape and represents a major collaboration between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.
Mr Baxter was received by senior representatives of Eko Atlantic City and officials from ITB Nigeria Ltd, the construction firm overseeing the project. He praised the progress of the development and emphasised the broader importance of the venture.
“It’s been a real pleasure to visit the Rugby School Nigeria site and witness firsthand the scale and ambition of this project,” Mr Baxter said. “This initiative exemplifies the strength of UK-Nigeria partnerships, bringing the tradition and academic excellence of one of Britain’s most respected schools to a vibrant and growing part of Lagos.”
He added, “Education is the foundation of a successful future. Projects like this not only provide young Nigerians with access to top-tier learning but also prepare them to thrive in a globally connected world. I look forward to the school’s opening in September and to its role in advancing quality education across West Africa.”
Rugby School Nigeria will serve as an international sister school to Rugby School UK, one of Britain’s oldest independent schools, originally founded in 1567. The Nigerian branch is scheduled to welcome its first cohort of Year 7 (age 11) and Year 12 (age 16, A Level) students in September 2025.
Construction is currently ahead of schedule, with more than 1,000 professionals working on-site. Once completed, the purpose-built campus will offer a robust academic programme supported by a wide array of co-curricular opportunities, in keeping with Rugby School’s educational philosophy of developing the “whole person”.
Dr Adam England, Principal of Rugby School Nigeria, also commented on the significance of the Deputy High Commissioner’s visit.
“We were delighted to host Mr Baxter and his team. Their visit underscores the importance of our mission to deliver a truly world-class education in Nigeria,” Dr England said. “Our aim is to equip young people with the confidence, knowledge, and perspective to shape their future and contribute meaningfully on a global scale.”
The establishment of Rugby School Nigeria marks a significant milestone in educational collaboration between the UK and West Africa, further positioning Lagos as a regional centre for high-quality international education.
