Avi-Cenna International School
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$2K - US$2K
Curriculum: British
Age Range: 2-16
Students: ~365
Location: Ikeja GRA, Lagos
Updated April 2026
In Brief
The longest-established Cambridge school on the Lagos mainland and the most affordable option in this shortlist at around NGN 2.5 million per year. Strong IGCSE results and a 35-year track record make it a credible choice for Ikeja-based families who don't need IB or A-Level from the same campus.
Avi-Cenna International School has operated in Ikeja GRA since 1989 - one of the oldest international schools in Lagos - and takes children from Early Years (age 2) through Year 11 (IGCSE, Cambridge). The 2024 IGCSE cohort posted 98% A*-C, a figure that has been consistently recognised by Cambridge and sits comfortably alongside schools charging three times the fees. Around 365 students from 30 nationalities are enrolled, with a 4:1 ratio of Nigerian to international families.
Annual fees are approximately NGN 2.5 million for day pupils, making Avi-Cenna the most competitively priced school in this Lagos list by a significant margin. The application fee is NGN 50,000. Class sizes average 20 (maximum 28 in secondary), and the curriculum offers French and Arabic alongside the core British subjects. Co-curricular activity is broad - football, rugby, basketball, swimming, chess, Lego robotics, coding, girl guides, scouts, debate and STEAM projects are all listed. Entry requires a CAT4 assessment and principal interview.
The school stops at Year 11: there is no A-Level or post-16 route on campus. Families planning a complete 2-18 journey at one school need to factor in a secondary transition. The Ikeja GRA location is well-placed for mainland residents but adds significant commute time for Island-based families.
What parents value
- –35 years of operation; 98% A*-C IGCSE 2024; Cambridge-recognised results. Approximately NGN 2.5 million per year - the most affordable internationally credentialled option in Lagos.
- –30 nationalities; average class size of 20; broad co-curricular offering including Lego robotics, STEAM, debate and coding. French and Arabic offered alongside the British curriculum.
Points of consideration
- –School ends at Year 11 - no A-Level or IB Diploma. Families need a clear post-16 plan before enrolling at secondary.
- –4:1 Nigerian-to-international ratio: if a strongly international peer community is a priority, the balance is closer to Grange than to AISL or LFLP.
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Early Years (EYFS) | 2 | NaN |
| Primary (Year 1-6) | 6 | NaN |
| Secondary (Year 7-11, IGCSE) | 11 | NaN |
Fees converted from NGN. For the most up to date and accurate figures please double check with the school.
Additional Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application / Registration Fee | NaN |
Photos
Academic Results
| IGCSE | 98% A*-C average |
| Recognition | Cambridge top performers (consistent) |
Key results: IGCSE 98% A*-C average, Recognition Cambridge top performers (consistent).
Extra Curriculars
Contact the school for details on co-curricular activities and facilities. Ask what a normal week looks like outside lessons for your child's interests.
Inspections & Accreditations
Inspection
No published inspection details are currently available.
Accreditations
Accreditation details are not publicly listed.
Memberships
Membership details are not publicly listed.
Student Body
Lagos international schools serve a mix of expatriate and Nigerian families seeking an internationally recognised curriculum. Contact the school for current enrolment and nationality breakdown.
Leadership
Paul Olubajo
Paul Olubajo is Principal of Avi-Cenna International School, which has operated in Ikeja GRA since 1989 and follows the Cambridge IGCSE curriculum.