Wellington College unveils welcome centre to interact with community ahead resumption

Wellington College International Lagos, a British coeducational boarding and day school for students aged 3–18, has unveiled a welcome centre in Victoria Island to interact with prospective families and the community ahead of a widely anticipated resumption date in September 2027. The welcome centre will serve as a focal point for intending parents to ask questions about the school, its educational philosophy, culture, and academic offerings to support a smooth first academic year and beyond. “Wellington College International Lagos cannot simply be Wellington College in Lagos alone. It must become Wellington College of Lagos — a school shaped by this city and this country, by the families who will entrust their children to us and, ultimately, by the young people who will come to call it their school,” Mrs Christine Haslett, Founding Headmaster of Wellington College International Lagos, spoke at the launch event that took place Thursday evening. The event was well attended by representatives of the Lagos State Government, the British Deputy High Commission, Alaro City and Rendeavour, Wellington College Education, parents, partners, educators and members of the wider Wellington community Haslett also drew a connection between the Irish tradition of meitheal and the Yoruba concept of Aaro, highlighting the shared idea of communities coming together to support one another and collectively build something meaningful. She described this spirit of collaboration as an appropriate foundation for the school’s journey in Lagos. The sense of community is designed to help young people develop academically, personally, and socially. Wellington College International Lagos will place academic excellence alongside character development, wellbeing, sport, music, the arts, leadership and service, preparing students to navigate a changing world with confidence, curiosity and a strong sense of responsibility. As an institution dedicated to excellence, Wellington College offers children a rare chance to take IGCSE and A Levels examinations, which can set a huge potential for the child to enter prestigious colleges abroad. This is a great opportunity for Lagosians and Nigerians alike who usually take O levels alone. The school will combine Wellington’s longstanding educational heritage with a strong Nigerian identity, creating a globally connected education that remains grounded in the culture and context of its new home. Representing the Lagos State Government, Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, welcomed the establishment of Wellington College International Lagos, noting: “We particularly welcome the commitment to combining a rich educational heritage with a forward-looking approach that promotes academic excellence, strong character, creativity and the holistic development of young people.” The opening also featured a goodwill message from Johnny Baxter, British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, represented by Simon Field, Deputy Head of Mission, who welcomed the establishment of Wellington College International Lagos and its potential to further strengthen educational ties between the United Kingdom and Nigeria. Located in Alaro City, Lekki-Epe, Wellington College International Lagos will welcome students aged 3–18 to its purpose-built campus from September 2027. The school is being developed to provide an environment that supports academic excellence alongside creativity, sport, the arts, wellbeing and wider student development, bringing Wellington’s distinctive educational approach to a new generation of students in Nigeria. Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date Open In Whatsapp