As new academic session looms in Nigeria, the frenzy begins. Parents are anxious to secure a place for their children in the so-called “top schools,” the ones with glossy brochures, high-profile alumni, and promises of academic excellence. These schools, whether private primary or prestigious secondary institutions, know the power of perception, therefore, they sell an image of quality education, well-rounded learning, and future success. But beneath the polished surface lies a reality most schools will not openly share with you during the admission process.
For many parents, the decision to enrol their child is often driven by branding, reputation, and promises rather than a clear-eyed understanding of what actually happens once the term starts. While it is true that some of these schools offer excellent teaching and rich opportunities, there are unspoken truths every parent should know, truths that can shape their expectations and decision-making in profound ways. Here are 10 of those secrets:
1. The Entrance Exam Does Not Guarantee Continuous Academic Rigor
Top schools market their rigorous entrance exams as proof of high standards, but these tests are often more about filtering than nurturing. Many students who pass with flying colours find the actual teaching less rigorous than promised. In fact, some parents have reported that the standard of instruction did not match the impression given during admissions. This is because many schools prioritise enrolment numbers and retention over continuous academic challenge, especially once fees have been paid.
2. The ‘World-Class Curriculum’ Is Often a Buzzword
Terms like “British curriculum,” “Montessori approach,” or “integrated international learning” are heavily marketed. Yet, in practice, many schools only adopt fragments of these systems or blend them haphazardly. Across Nigeria, many schools advertised “international curricula” but were still heavily reliant on rote memorisation and outdated teaching methods. Parents discover too late that the curriculum on paper and the curriculum in the classroom are worlds apart.
3. Extracurricular Activities Are Often Limited to Showpieces
The glossy brochures showcase students playing instruments, acting in dramas, or winning sports trophies. However, in many schools, these activities are tokenistic, designed for marketing rather than holistic development. A number of top schools have fewer than three qualified extracurricular instructors for hundreds of students, meaning only a small percentage of pupils genuinely benefit. The rest? They participate in name only, with limited coaching or real skill development.
4. Teacher Quality Is Uneven
While admissions offices boast of “world-class faculty,” the reality is more complex. High teacher turnover rates, especially in urban Nigerian private schools, are a silent crisis. Some of the most expensive schools in Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Abuja have annual teacher turnover rates exceeding 30%. Many teachers juggle multiple responsibilities, receive limited professional development, and are pressured to meet performance targets that prioritise optics over genuine learning.
5. Fees Are Only the Beginning
Parents are often attracted by the official school fees, thinking they have budgeted enough for their child’s education. But hidden costs such as uniforms, development levies, technology fees, excursion charges, compulsory after-school programmes can add up to 25–40% more annually than the advertised amount. For a school that lists tuition as ₦1.5 million per year, this could mean an extra ₦500,000 or more in unplanned expenses.
6. Class Sizes May Be Larger Than Promised
Brochures often tout “small class sizes for personalised learning,” yet parents have found classes swelling beyond advertised limits once the session begins. Promised ratios of 1:15 often become 1:25 or even 1:30, particularly in lower primary and junior secondary. In addition, class size inflation is one of the least regulated practices in private schooling, leaving parents with little recourse once the term is underway.
7. Not All Students Benefit Equally
Top schools often nurture their “star students” for competitions and public recognition, but average and struggling students may be left to drift. A quiet hierarchy exists, those who bring laurels receive disproportionate attention and resources. Parents whose children do not fall into this category sometimes find their concerns overlooked in favour of the school’s image-building agenda.
8. Parental Involvement Is Both Expected and Exploited
While schools emphasise partnerships with parents, this can sometimes turn into veiled pressure. Fundraising drives, compulsory participation in “school community” projects, and expectations for parents to provide unpaid expertise or sponsorship for school events are more common than many will admit. In elite Nigerian schools, parents report feeling socially pressured to conform, fearing that non-participation might subtly affect how their child is treated.
9. Technology Integration Is Often Superficial
From digital classrooms to AI-enhanced learning tools, top schools market themselves as pioneers of educational technology. Yet many lack the infrastructure or teacher training to fully integrate these tools. Sometimes, many students get to share one laptop as against one student to a laptop. Also, smartboards may remain unused due to lack of technical know-how. What is advertised as “cutting-edge” often becomes nothing more than a marketing feature.
10. Pastoral Care Is Frequently Underdeveloped
Perhaps one of the most critical yet overlooked areas is student wellbeing. Despite growing conversations about mental health and holistic care, many schools do not have trained counsellors or robust pastoral care systems. For students facing bullying, emotional distress, or learning difficulties, this lack of support can have long-term effects.
In conclusion, knowing these truths does not mean you should dismiss all top schools or their advantages. Many still produce exceptional results and provide environments where students thrive. However, informed decision-making is crucial. Parents who are aware of these hidden realities can ask sharper questions during admission interviews, request concrete policies in writing, and hold schools accountable beyond their marketing. As Nigeria’s private education market grows, transparency should be a non-negotiable standard. Parents must remember that choosing a school is not just a financial investment but a formative partnership in shaping a child’s mind, character, and future. Schools may not tell you everything upfront, but a discerning parent who looks beyond the glossy surface stands a better chance of finding a learning environment that truly matches their child’s needs.
