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Top 10 Oldest Primary Schools In Nigeria And When They Were Established
Education in Nigeria has its roots in the establishment of early primary schools, which served as foundational institutions for formal learning. These schools were often set up by missionaries and colonial authorities, emphasizing basic literacy, numeracy, and moral instruction. Many of these pioneering institutions have become landmarks in Nigeria's educational history. Below is a detailed list of the 10 oldest primary schools in Nigeria and the years they were established.
1. CMS Primary School, Lagos (1842)
The CMS (Church Missionary Society) Primary School in Lagos is recognized as the oldest primary school in Nigeria. Established in 1842 by the CMS missionaries, it was created to provide basic education to children in Lagos, with a focus on literacy and Christian teachings. The school’s establishment marked the beginning of formal education in Nigeria.
2. St. Thomas’s Anglican Primary School, Badagry (1845)
Founded in 1845, St. Thomas’s Anglican Primary School in Badagry is another pioneering institution. Established by Anglican missionaries, it played a crucial role in spreading literacy and Western education in Nigeria’s coastal regions. The school remains a historical symbol of early educational efforts in the country.
3. St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Lagos (1854)
Established in 1854 by Catholic missionaries, St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Lagos is one of the oldest primary schools in Nigeria. It was set up to provide basic education to children while instilling Christian values. The school’s impact on early education in Lagos is immeasurable.
4. Holy Trinity Primary School, Lokoja (1865)
Holy Trinity Primary School was established in Lokoja in 1865 by Anglican missionaries. Located at the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers, this school served as an educational hub for children in the northern regions, bridging cultural and geographic divides.
5. Baptist Primary School, Abeokuta (1865)
Founded in 1865 by Baptist missionaries, Baptist Primary School in Abeokuta is one of Nigeria’s oldest educational institutions. The school was established to cater to the children of Baptist converts and has since grown into a significant part of Nigeria’s educational history.
6. St. Paul’s Primary School, Breadfruit, Lagos (1876)
St. Paul’s Primary School, located in the Breadfruit area of Lagos, was established in 1876 by Anglican missionaries. The school was instrumental in providing basic education to children in Lagos and continues to serve as a reminder of Nigeria’s early educational initiatives.
7. St. Andrew’s Primary School, Oyo (1879)
St. Andrew’s Primary School in Oyo was founded in 1879 by Anglican missionaries. This institution not only provided education but also served as a training ground for teachers who went on to establish other schools across Nigeria.
8. St. James’s Primary School, Akure (1890)
St. James’s Primary School was established in Akure in 1890 by Anglican missionaries. The school’s focus on literacy and moral education contributed significantly to the development of the Ondo State region and beyond.
9. St. Peter’s Primary School, Ake, Abeokuta (1893)
St. Peter’s Primary School, Ake, was established in 1893 by Anglican missionaries. It is one of the oldest schools in Nigeria and has been instrumental in the education of generations of children in Ogun State. The school remains a cornerstone of the community’s educational landscape.
10. Sacred Heart Primary School, Calabar (1903)
Sacred Heart Primary School in Calabar was established in 1903 by Catholic missionaries. Located in Cross River State, the school played a key role in spreading education and literacy across southeastern Nigeria. Its legacy continues to inspire educational initiatives in the region.
Conclusion
The establishment of these primary schools laid the groundwork for formal education in Nigeria. They served not only as centers of learning but also as institutions that fostered social cohesion and moral development. Their founders’ vision to provide accessible education has had a lasting impact on the nation’s growth. Today, these schools are celebrated not just for their historical significance but also for their enduring contributions to Nigeria’s educational system. Their legacies remind us of the importance of foundational education in shaping the future of a nation.
