In this guide
When choosing a primary school in Lagos, one of the first decisions you will face is which curriculum to choose. Nigerian curriculum, British curriculum, or a blended model – each has its strengths, and the right choice depends on your child’s needs, your family’s plans, and what you value most in an education. Here is an honest comparison to help you decide.
The Nigerian Curriculum (NERDC)
The Nigerian curriculum is developed by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) and is the national standard for basic education.
Strengths:
- Culturally relevant – children learn Nigerian history, geography, languages, and civic values
- Directly prepares students for the Common Entrance Examination and other Nigerian assessments
- Familiar pathway for families planning to stay in Nigeria long-term
- Covers a broad range of subjects including Nigerian languages
Limitations:
- Can be heavy on rote learning and memorisation
- Less emphasis on critical thinking and inquiry-based learning compared to some international curricula
- Less internationally portable if your family may relocate abroad
Best for: Families who plan to remain in Nigeria’s educational system long-term and value strong cultural grounding and national exam preparation.
The British Curriculum
The British curriculum (EYFS and English National Curriculum) is widely offered in Nigerian private schools and is one of the most popular international curricula worldwide.
Strengths:
- Strong phonics-based approach to early reading and literacy
- Emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and independent learning
- Clear, measurable learning goals at each stage
- Internationally recognised and portable – your child can transition to schools in the UK, Europe, or elsewhere
- Child-centred, play-based approach in the early years
Limitations:
- Less Nigerian cultural content unless explicitly added by the school
- May not align perfectly with Nigerian national exam requirements
- Can feel less familiar to Nigerian parents who grew up in the Nigerian system
Best for: Families who may relocate internationally, value critical thinking and inquiry-based learning, and want a globally recognised educational foundation.
The Blended Curriculum
A blended curriculum combines elements of the Nigerian and British systems. It is a growing trend among Lagos private schools, and it is the model we use at Pleasant Places School.
Strengths:
- Your child is prepared for both Nigerian national exams and international pathways
- Students benefit from the cultural grounding of the Nigerian curriculum and the critical thinking emphasis of the British system
- Flexible – your child’s education adapts more easily if your family relocates
- Provides a broader, richer educational experience than either system alone
Challenges:
- Requires careful planning and skilled teachers to implement well
- Not all schools that claim to offer a blended curriculum do so effectively – ask to see lesson plans and termly overviews
- Can be more demanding for students if not managed properly
Best for: Families who value both cultural grounding and global readiness, and who want their child to have the widest possible range of future educational options.
How to Decide
Ask yourself these questions:
| Question | Nigerian | British | Blended |
|---|---|---|---|
| Do we plan to stay in Nigeria long-term? | Yes | Not sure | Flexible |
| Do we value international mobility? | Less important | Important | Important |
| Is cultural grounding a priority? | Strong priority | Less important | Strong priority |
| Does my child thrive on structure or inquiry? | Structure | Inquiry | Both |
| How important is Common Entrance prep? | Essential | Less important | Essential |
A Note on Implementation
A word of caution: the quality of any curriculum depends on how well it is implemented.
A well-taught Nigerian curriculum can produce outstanding results, and a poorly taught British curriculum will not serve your child well regardless of its reputation. When you visit schools, look beyond the curriculum label and observe what actually happens in the classroom. Are children engaged? Are teachers skilled and enthusiastic? Is the environment nurturing and stimulating?
At Pleasant Places School, we have chosen a blended model because we believe Lekki children deserve the best of both worlds. We invite you to visit us, see how our curriculum works in practice, and decide for yourself whether it is the right fit for your child.
Continue reading
Activities for Toddlers at School: What Good Infant Care Looks Like
What should actually be happening in a good Lagos creche or toddler programme? A guide…
Read the guide
When Should My Child Start Nursery School in Nigeria?
Signs of readiness, what age is typical in Nigeria, and how to make the first…
Read the guide
Schools Accepting New Pupils in Lagos: 2026 Enrolment Guide
PPS is open for 2026 enrolment across all four programmes. Here is everything you need…
Read the guideHow to Prepare Your Child for Their First Day of School
Practical steps, honest reassurance, and a simple checklist for making the transition from home to…
Read the guide