First off, I’ll like to congratulate you for seeking information on how to register private nursery and primary school business here in Nigeria. Starting a private Nursery and primary school takes a process and these processes must be strictly adhered to.
You know why? Most school owners today never took the time to consider this step. They build a school and opened their doors to students without seeking the required approval from the government
This is against the law, and sadly most of them don’t see any wrong in it.
But you have chosen to make a difference, and that’s commendable, so congratulations once again.
In this article, I’m going to walk you through on how to register and start your private nursery or primary school right here in Nigeria, the cost implications, how to get it approved by the government (Ministry of Education) and all necessary steps and advice to be taken in the process of kick-starting your own private school.
With the information we shall be providing, you will see the processes involved in registering your schools right here in Nigeria.
It’s not only very easy but quite cheap too.
So you don’t have to worry about not being able to afford it. At most, it should cost you not more than N10,000. That’s an estimate; often it’ll be less than that.
First off, before delving into how to register your private school with the government, let me give you a little advice – it’s nothing novel really, and you can skip this section if you don’t want to hear it by scrolling down.
For those who might be interested, well here it is:
Steps On How To Register And Start A Private Nursery and Primary School In Nigeria
“As a school owner, it’s important you find your niche – especially if you’re just starting out. Find where your passion lies. Do you love working with children at the kindergarten level, primary level or secondary level?”
Finding your niche will go a long way to help you.
Don’t be a jack of all trade like most school owners and start building schools at all levels – that will not help you in the long run. The best thing is, find an area, become specialized in it and parents will love you all the more.
That’s my one cents though, and you can take it or leave it – that’s up to you.
Now that I’ve gotten that out of the way, I’ll now walk you through the process of registering your school in Nigeria.
Are you ready to start your private nursery and primary school? do you have all it takes? then read carefully below.
How To Register Private And Nursery School Business In Nigeria
Pick A Name For Your School.
Before going for registration, you should select a name for your school. This is the name that will be registered. I’ll advise you to select at least two names. There is every chance that your chosen name may have been registered already, so having an alternative may be helpful.
Tips On How To Pick The Right Name
A business name is not only what your business will be called, your business name also represents your brand, communicate your value and tells your business story. As such you might want to be careful taking this critical step.
I’ve seen lots of people name their school whatever they like or even name it after themselves. I’m not against naming your school after yourself or a loved one but it is not professional. If you want people to take your school business serious you should avoid that naming approach.
In choosing a business name, look for a name that will be memorable. One that people can easily remember without difficulty. This will help you in the long run as people can easily recall your business especially when they want to refer your school to others.
As a rule, your business name must he easy to pronounce and spell. If you have to explain or spell your business name each time you talk about it to others, then it’s probably not suitable.
Your chosen name must not contain federal, government, state, national or any other official title as it’ll not be approved.
After picking your school name, you might want to check for its availability online. This step is crucial especially if you’ll want to create a website for your school later in the day.
Website names are called domain on the internet. To check if your domain will be available, visit a domain registrar like whogohost (Nigerian Hosting Company) bluehost (Foreign) and check for availability. You can even register it immediately, so others don’t register it before you. It costs money though. You can get a web designer to do it for you at a very cheap rate (less than 30,000 Naira)
Visit the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) office.
After picking your school name, you can now go to any branch of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) office to register your business.
You’ll be given a simple form to fill. After completing the form, you’ll be required to pay a sum of N500.
After submitting your form, the CAC will then search for the availability of your business name. If it is available, it will be reserved for you so that others will not be able to register it again. This will often take about two weeks.
After the two weeks of intensive search, your business name will be granted to you if it is available, but if it is not, you’ll have to repeat the above steps (including fee payments) until you find an available one. Usually, the CAC will suggest a few available options for you so that you might go will their suggestions or think up a new name and check if it’s available.
Once your name has been approved, you will be given a registration form. Information usually required include the name of the business, the name of business owner(s), address, nature of the business and two passports. Fill in the necessary details and submit it to the CAC office. You’ll also need to pay another fee usually N500.
It’ll take another two weeks before you can get a response from the CAC. If successful, you’ll be issued Certificate of Business Name Registration. This certificate is a proof that your business has now become legal in Nigeria.
You can see how easy it is to register your nursery or primary school business in Nigeria. And it doesn’t take much time too, usually a month for the whole process.
How To Get Your School Approved By The Government
To avoid embarrassment from government agencies, it’s better to get government approval before opening your doors to students as it’ll only hurt your reputation if your school is suddenly shut down by the government over unapproved issues.
Get A Land or Building In A Strategic Area (Residential Preferably)
Getting a land would be vital in the process of staring up your private school, it would be wise to acquire strategic areas that would not cost too much say between 500,000 to 2,000,000 Naira, avoid isolated areas where people are not living, parents and guardians would avoid such places at all costs.
Well if you do not have the financial capacity to get a landed property, you could rent a space, a bungalow would be fine. You would be surprised that 70% of private school owners started with a rented building before erecting their structures so this should not sound absurd.
Getting the right building style is important. The government requires that each school must be a purpose-built bungalow style. Though you may build yourself as a storey so long as you keep the nursery and kindergarten children on the floor section.
It’s important you have at least 15 rooms all painted bright warm colors for better learning experience. He 15 rooms is not necessarily for students alone, it may include administrative blocks, library and so on.
Registration of School Name
You may skip this step if you have registered with the CAC as given above.
To register the name of your school, you will have to write to the state ministry of education. This letter should contain the name you wish to use for your school.
Site Inspection of Proposed Site
Once your school is registered the ministry of education will send inspection officers for site inspection. Your classrooms, toilet and administrative blocks will be inspected to ensure its fit for learning.
If successful, the site inspection officers will advise you to obtain the approval form. This form usually cost around N25,000.
Approval Inspection
A second team will be sent in to inspect your school again after you submit the approval form. This is the approval test. Your textbooks, curriculum and others will be inspected.
This is usually the last step and if successful, your school will be approved.
How helpful is the information provided, you could assist others by sharing on your social media platforms.
Also, if you have any question as regards steps to be taken on how to register and start your own private Nursery and Primary school business in Nigeria, you can scroll to the comment section below, post your questions and we shall respond as soon as we get it.
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Good day sir, what level of education will someone have before he/she can own a school, can someone a school with HND certificate and so can someone won a school with PGD in Education
Of course both category of persons are eligible to own a school
What level of education can someone get before he/she can own a school, and also can someone own a school with HND certificate also can someone own a school with PGD in Education?
Please can one use one school name in 3 or 4 local governments in ogun state
Yes you can.
And pls what do you mean by registering the school as a subsidiary of the group?
If you have a registered company name already, you can register your school name under the current company name which will serve as a subsidiary.
Good day sir, Can i register with the ministry of education using a name that is actually different from my business name? Keep up with the good work sir.
Yes you can but like I said earlier, the name can be registered as a subsidiary under the current company name
My name is ikwo, ukoh from Akwa lbom State, I have years of teaching experience and am a lover of kids,whereby so many parents advice me in starting up a school, am not a graduate,my question is can my kind of person start up a private school?
If you have the funds, why not? You definitely can start up a school. All you need is someone who’s an NCE holder to server as a board of governor of the school.
Thanks for the vital information given here, my name is Niyi Adeola.
I found the amount for approval of school by ministry of education by your post laughable. As my uncle who is a school proprietor in Ogun state tolf me it cost up to 1 million naira to get approval for school in the state. This has always discouraged me from venturing into the project, even though I have four 3 bedroom flats that can be used for it. Pls are you saying that with maximum of N100,000 one can register and get approval for a school in Ogun state
Thanks.
Thanks Sir for your information. My question is that. I registered an academy as a business name with CAC compromising nursery, primary and secondary school. Is it possible to get one approval from the ministry of Education that will cover the schools?
Yes it is mandatory you do so.
Thank you so much for this wonderful information. My question is, can I start up a school as an HND holder in Business Administration?
Yes you can.
Thank you so much Sir, my question is as an NCE holder in business education can I own a school and register it.
Of course you are equally eligible.
Ogechi, thanks so much for the lesson. Assuming someone have started the school already without the approval from the ministry. What do you do on the day of inspection
I have years of teaching experience and a lover of kids
Whereby so many parents advice me in starting up a school
Am not a graduate but I have my ond and planning to round off with my hnd
My question is can my kind of person start up a nursery and primary school?
Of course u can. I put up the steps for those without NCE or B.Edu certificate
Thank you so much for the replies sir. Pls do I need to register my day-care and preschool center with the ministry of education?
Well done. This is so helpful. You make it sound easier than thought.
Can you start your school business even though the building is not yet completed to the stardard.And the registration you are talking about is it the same has approval where you submit stamp duty,architectural design
The building is supposed to be completed and every paper works done to avoid having issues with the ministry of education.
Thanks for the explanation.pls sir I want to ask is there anything attached to it if you decided to give your school name International school different from Nursery and primary or group of school.or what is the difference,advantage or requirement or similarities for all this names
Thanks for all the responses, can i register with the cac online, if it is possible how can i get the certificate
Yes you can apply online but i always advice interested persons to register through a lawyer
Thank you sir, my question is can i do CAC registration online?
Appreciate all your responses. Want to know the cost of registering a primary school in Ogun state. Thanks
It is practically the same procedure everywhere in Nigeria. But a little lesser ay Ogun state. The exact amount is what i can’t really tell.
Thanks for the update. My question is can i run a day care upto primary with International Diploma certificates?
Good day Madam. International Diploma Certificate in what course or programme please?
This is helpful. I have a CAC and I want to open an account for a grant opportunity but the requested for an approval from the ministry of education in Kaduna. Knowing nobody there, what’s the best approach to go about this?
I’ve not been there but was told by a headmaster in Edo state that with N500,000 You’ll get approval from the state min of edu.
Oh really? well that’s a form of PR just to get it done. You know how Nigerian Civil Servants can be. Always wanting money to hasten the process
Since approval from ministry of education is expensive, can payments be made installmentally to the ministry as regards the approval?
Hi Blessing. Have you been there? what was the amount you were told to pay? Kindly share for others to benefit from
This is beautiful and thought provoking sir. Thank you for the illumination.
You are welcome Sir.
please can you help with a sample letter of invitation to DQA for academic commencement. thank you
I’m Gbenga Kuti
This is very helpful, all things being equal (ceteris paribus)
But nothing like all above is possible in Lagos.
I have two questions I don’t if anyone here could answer.
1. I once obtained the registration form for nursery and primary schools
The name search was done and approved. Can I follow that up or do I have to start all over?
2. The organization l run (am the chairman) is registered under CAC, an NGO and we run the school free, must we still register school separately?
First you can follow up with the process from where you stopped during the name search approval.
Secondly, you have to register the school separately but this time as a subsidiary of the group. It will be cheaper at this stage.
I hope this answers your questions.
May I please ask; if the NGO is not registered as a holding company (group), since there is np other subsidiary to the name, how do they go about registering the school as a subsidiary? Thank you.
You can register your school or business from your home comfort.
All you need is a guild and standard internet to do so.
And if you need a professional in the feed to help you out. Whatsapp MoWondēr on 08037251855. He will do it for you at a give away price. He did mine own business registration within 2 weeks.
Hello sir have can I get approval from ministry of education in Oyo State
Yes but that’s if you intend setting up the school in Oyo State.
Please how can I locate CAC offices in Lagos and the location of ministry of education in Lagos State. Thank you
CAC contact details (email and phone number)
The new CAC office on Lagos Island address is now located at 18/20, Catholic Mission Street, Opposite City Hall, Lagos Island, Nigeria.
Ministry of education Lagos State address is The Secretariat, Obafemi Awolowo Way, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria. You can also email them through info@lagosstate.gov.ng
Thanks. My question, in a situation where you never start and you want to register will they still come for inspection?
Inspection is part of the set up process. It involves statges.
Thanks for you information
Mr. Kelvin, is it compulsory to have an Education certificate before registering my school or any other first degree qualification can fly?
Ideally, you are supposed to hold a degree in education. However, another degree can fly BUT as part of the board of governors in the hierarchical structure of the school, there must be an educationist to act as one who runs the affair of the school.
Great post but an even greater response culture. Thank you. Please my question:
I wish to register a leadership academy for self development courses only. What sort of registration do you recommend?
NOTE: I am not seeking to award certificates.
Thank You.
Okay thanks for your information. Best regards.
In Abia State to get approval for nursery, primary, and Secondary schools respectively cost an average of 150,000; 250,000, 350,000 respectively this is after you have obtained the basic infrastructure and other necessaries. There is no form of incentives for the operators. This discourages self employment and industrialization and further makes education very expensive for the populace. The government Should review this situation.
Thank you for your contribution. Highly appreciated. I hope the necessary authorities see this.
Thanks for your great advices above.
Please is registration with CAC and state ministry of education is enough or there are other registrations required?? Such as quality assurance, NApS and others
Well, to start, the CAC registration and Govt approval are the most important so long as you have a comfortable environment for the kids. Other major safety equipments can come in as the school progresses
After register a school with CAC, is there any other agency that someone has to register school with again? Then what is the process of running school in Akwa Ibom state?
You don’t need any agency except physical inspection from the Ministry of Education. You are to visit the office and you will be directed on what next to do.
I have opened school in another country and I want to register my school under Nigeria c Government, how can I do it?
Thanks for this wonderful information. My question is, do you start paying tax as soon as you register with CAC
No. You can register your school and start. Government do not collect taxes from educational institutions in Nigeria
Thanks sir, i want to ask if my registration with CAC should be just BUSINESS NAME or COMPANY REGISTRATION
You can have a business name but we advice you get a company registration as this would show you are fully ready for business.
Good day. I have already d with CAC and I have obtained the CAC certificate but I have not registered with the state ministry of education, Lagos state. To my amazement, I saw a school on line bearing the same name exactly, what should I do now cos I want to proceed with a bank account for the school, can I proceed?
Good evening. Thanks for the post. Please do you have a contact that can help with approval of primary school in Lagos state
No. But you can visit the ministry of education yourself. You will definitely get someone to help out
Am I good to go with an ordinary business name or I need the one for limited liability
. Thank you Mr Kelvin pls how much will it cost to get approval from the Ministry of Education i .e for nursery and primary School.
Close sources say it around 10,000 naira but you would have to sort out some people to make it faster. You know how Nigeria is when it comes to getting approvals in the ministry.
Thanks so much Mr Kelvin, but is it true one must have at least 50 kids to start a primary school?
You are welcome but that is wrong. Many start with as few as just 5 to 10 kids or pupils.
Thank you for the information shared above. So you mean one can register with CAC with #1000 (#500 twice)?
I requested for the services of a lawyer and I was told I would need $150,000. I think it is much. What can I do?
Of course you can. That’s a lie. Lawyers can’t take such amount. Registering a school is not difficult. But do you mean 150,000 naira or dollars?
Thanks alot for this platform; If I may ask please, is 1year PGDE experience good enough to run a school?
Yes it’s good enough. Even a B.Edu is enough qualification to run a school
Thanks for the update,pls can someone register under CAC first before registering under ministry of education because d registration money under ministry of education is much
Yes you can register your school and even kick off even before registering under the ministry of Education but make sure you are already in the process of registering while running the school to avoid sanctions
Thanks. My question now is, if one have registered with CAC and the certificate is issued, and obtained the approval form from the ministry of Education. Did any one have right to close down the school again?
Only the Federal Government (Ministry of Education) has the power to shut down the school. This is dependent on the matter on ground and how it is handled
Pls were can i find CAC Office in Nsukka i want to register my business ?
I own 5 bedroom bungalow with enough space in front to erect another structure in future, can I start up with it?
Pls must one have up to 15 rooms for a start before getting government approval?
tell me more on how to start up a private school
THANKS FOR THE UPDATE ,BUT I STILL WANT TO KNOW HOW MUCH CAN IT WILL COST TO SETUP A NURSERY AND PRIMARY SCHOOL USING A RENTED PLACE AS A STARTUP. IF POSSIBLE GIVE ME A BREAKDOWN OF THE DIFFERENT STAGES INVOLVED.
Thanks for this. My question is can a school run with a name that is different from the name registered under CAC owing to the fact that the registered name doesn’t sit well with name preferred to be used?
Well, to a great extent, you can still use another name if it is registered as a subsidiary company under the current company. It is best you register the new name of the school and let it reflect exactly what is on your CAC form.
Thanks.
You are welcome
Thanks for this valuable information. My question: Is it possible to use a different name for school registration at the state level; from the Company Name registered with CAC? Thank you.
No the names have to Tally. Except you want to register a group name with the intention of incorporating other schools later in future. At this point, a legal practitioner would be in a better position to give you the best advice.
Thanks.
Nice post and timely too…Good one
Thank you Jeff
very helpful i must say. please i have a question, how do i get d curriculum and textbooks for the second inspection
The truth is that if you are not an educationist, you are not eligible to set up a school, so for you to apply at all, you will need to get one who is an educationist to act as a co-owner at this point, the supposed co-owner should be able to get you curriculum and text books needed. So in real sense, get someone who is into the system to make things much easier for you.
Must the building be ereted first before going to the ministry of education or you go before you eret the building ?????
Make sure you already have a space first before going to the Ministry of Education
Can a school be approved on a rented duplex? Also what should I go with to Alausa, we’ve done CAC registration. Thanks
Yes should be a leased building. Not one or two years rental
Pls sir , is Bsc certificate and PGDE enough to run a school
Yes with a PGDE you can run a school. However, it is advisable you get someone with NCE certificate to join the board if possible.