In this guide
One of the most common questions parents ask when choosing a school in Lagos is whether the Nigerian or British curriculum is better for their child. At Pleasant Places School, we believe the best answer is both. Our blended curriculum draws on the strengths of each system to give children a well-rounded education that prepares them for success locally and globally.
What Is the Nigerian Curriculum?
The Nigerian curriculum – developed and regulated by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) – is the national standard for basic education in Nigeria. It covers key learning areas including:
- English Language and Literacy
- Mathematics and Numeracy
- Basic Science and Technology
- Social Studies and Civic Education
- Nigerian Languages (Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa)
- Christian Religious Studies / Islamic Studies
- Creative and Cultural Arts
- Physical and Health Education
The Nigerian curriculum places strong emphasis on cultural relevance, national values, and preparation for the Common Entrance Examination and other local assessments.
What Is the British Curriculum?
The British curriculum (the Early Years Foundation Stage and the National Curriculum for England) is widely used in Nigerian private schools. It is known for:
- A strong focus on phonics and early reading (using systematic synthetic phonics programmes)
- A child-centred, play-based approach in the early years
- Clear, measurable learning goals and milestones
- International recognition and portability for families who may relocate
- Emphasis on critical thinking, inquiry-based learning, and independent problem-solving
Many British-curriculum schools in Nigeria follow the EYFS framework for nursery and reception, then transition into the English National Curriculum from Year 1 upwards.
How a Blended Curriculum Works in Practice
At PPS, we integrate both systems rather than treating them as separate tracks. Here is what that looks like in the classroom:
In the Early Years (Creche and Nursery):
Our foundation is the British EYFS framework with its seven areas of learning – communication and language, physical development, personal-social-emotional development, literacy, mathematics, understanding the world, and expressive arts and design. We weave Nigerian cultural content into these areas: children learn Nigerian nursery rhymes alongside English ones, explore Nigerian fruits and vegetables in their understanding of the world, and celebrate Nigerian festivals and traditions.
In Primary School:
From Primary 1 upwards, we teach Nigerian and British objectives side by side. For example, in literacy, children study both Nigerian authors and international literature. In mathematics, they learn the Nigerian numeracy framework alongside problem-solving approaches common in British maths education. By Primary 5 and 6, students are well prepared for the Common Entrance Examination while also having the critical thinking and inquiry skills valued in international secondary programmes.
The Advantages of a Blended Approach
Parents choose a blended curriculum for several reasons:
- Flexibility: Your child is prepared for both Nigerian national exams and international educational pathways.
- Cultural grounding: Children develop pride in Nigerian heritage while gaining a global perspective.
- Holistic development: The British emphasis on personal-social-emotional development complements the Nigerian focus on academic rigour and national values.
- Smooth transitions: If your family relocates – within Nigeria or abroad – your child’s education adapts more easily.
Questions to Ask a School About Their Blended Curriculum
If you are considering a school that offers a blended curriculum, ask:
- How is the blend structured on a typical day or week?
- Which curriculum is used as the primary framework and which supplements it?
- How are teachers trained to deliver both sets of objectives?
- How does the school prepare children for Nigerian national exams while following British methods?
- Can I see examples of lesson plans or termly overviews?
At Pleasant Places School, our blended model is designed to give Lekki children the best of both worlds: a strong foundation in Nigerian values and culture, combined with the rigour and international perspective of the British curriculum. We invite you to visit and see the blend in action.
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