Top 12 Best Secondary Schools in Kano State (2025)

Top 12 Best Secondary Schools in Kano State

Choosing a secondary school in Kano is a serious decision, one that will shape your child’s future. You’re not just looking for a building; you’re investing in their academic foundation, their character, and their opportunities. But the search is overwhelming. Dozens of schools claim to be “the best,” but offer little real information, making it hard to compare.

This isn’t a paid advertisement or a copy-paste list. We are journalists. We’ve done the research to create a no-nonsense guide to the actual Best Secondary Schools In Kano State. We’ve dug into their academic reputations, verified their locations, and identified their curriculum to help you understand the real options, from premium international schools to high-value affordable institutions.

How We Chose These Schools

To build a trustworthy list, our criteria are simple and parent-focused. We’re not impressed by flashy adverts. We looked for:

Academic Track Record: Consistent performance in WAEC & NECO results.
Parent & Student Feedback: What is the school’s real reputation for discipline and teaching quality?
Curriculum & Facilities: Do they offer the Nigerian, British (IGCSE), or a hybrid curriculum? Are the labs, libraries, and (if applicable) boarding houses up to standard?
Value: This isn’t just about cost. It’s about what you get for the fees you pay.

The 12 Best Secondary Schools in Kano State

Here is our breakdown of the top-tier schools in Kano. We’ve written a summary for each to give you a clear, journalistic view of what they offer.

1. Nigerian Tulip International Colleges (NTIC), Kano

NTIC is a powerhouse in Kano’s education scene, located in Bompai. It’s a co-educational school with both day and boarding options. What really sets it apart is its strong dual curriculum (Nigerian WAEC/NECO and British IGCSE), which is a major reason it’s one of the top best private schools in Kano. It’s known for dominating in STEM and robotics competitions. This all comes at a cost, as it’s firmly in the premium fee category, but the results are undeniable. You can find their official site at ntic.edu.ng.

2. Crescent International School (CIS), Kano

For parents seeking a top-tier international education blended with strong Islamic values, Crescent is a leading choice. This co-educational day and boarding school in Kawaji, Dakata, runs both the Nigerian and British (IGCSE) curricula alongside a robust Islamic program. It’s definitely a premium school, but it has a powerful reputation for producing well-rounded, high-achieving students. You can find their details at cisk.com.ng.

3. Queens Science Academy, Kano

If you’re looking for a top all-girls school, this is a name you’ll hear often. Located on Hadeja Road, Queens is a full-boarding secondary school. Its entire focus is on the Nigerian (WAEC/NECO) curriculum with a very heavy emphasis on STEM. It’s designed to create a focused, distraction-free environment for girls to excel in science. It’s a mid-range fee school and a solid investment. Their site is queensscienceacademy.com.

4. Prime College, Kano

Prime College is a long-standing, trusted name in Kano. Established in 1995, this co-educational day and boarding school on Alu Avenue has a strong reputation for discipline. It sticks to the Nigerian WAEC/NECO curriculum and consistently produces good results. It’s one of the most sought-after mid-range schools because it’s seen as a reliable, all-around performer. The official website is primecollegekano.com.

5. Nigeria Intercontinental School, Kano

Located in a quiet area of the GRA (Ahmad Daku Crescent), this co-educational day school has made a name for itself by focusing on a child-centric approach. It runs the Nigerian curriculum and is known for its modern facilities and a supportive learning environment. It’s a strong mid-range option, especially for parents who want a school that’s not overly large. You can see more at intercontinentalschools.com.

6. Federal Government College (FGC), Kano

As one of the original Federal “Unity Schools,” FGC Kano is a giant. This co-educational, full-boarding school on Zaria Road is one of the most diverse institutions in the state. It runs the Nigerian curriculum and has a long history of high academic standards. Because it’s federally subsidized, its fees are very affordable. It remains one of the best value top boarding schools in Kano for a high-quality, all-around education. It does not have a dedicated official website.

7. International-Alfajr School

This is another high-quality institution that successfully merges the Nigerian curriculum with a comprehensive Islamic education. Based in Rijiyar Zaki, this co-educational day and boarding school is known for producing students who are not only academically sound but also well-grounded in their faith. It falls into the mid-range fee category and is a top choice for parents prioritizing an Islamic ethos. Their website is alfajrschool.com.

8. St. Thomas Secondary School

A classic Kano institution, St. Thomas is one of the oldest and most respected mission schools in the city. Located on Airport Road in Sabon Gari, this co-educational day school is all about the Nigerian curriculum. It’s famous for its strict discipline and high academic standards, all at a very affordable price. It’s one of the best value-for-money schools in the entire state. You can check admission updates at stthomas.sch.ng.

9. The Caliphate Schools, Gwale

The Caliphate Schools group is a very popular choice in Gwale. This co-educational day school is respected for its ability to blend conventional subjects (Nigerian curriculum) with vocational skills and a solid Islamic education. It’s not trying to be a premium international school; it’s focused on providing a practical, well-rounded education for its community. It’s an excellent and affordable choice. No official website is available.

10. Newfield Kamfa Academy

Located in Gyadi-Gyadi, Newfield Kamfa Academy is a reputable co-educational day school that runs a hybrid curriculum, offering both Nigerian (WAEC/NECO) and British (IGCSE) options. It has a growing reputation for its nurturing environment and for providing the flexibility of a dual curriculum, which is a big plus for parents. It’s priced in the mid-range category. You can find it at newfieldkamfa.com.ng.

11. St. Louis Secondary School, Kano

Another one of Kano’s highly-respected mission schools, St. Louis is an all-girls day school on Bompai Road. Much like its counterpart, St. Thomas, it has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and strong moral discipline. It follows the Nigerian curriculum and is a fantastic choice for parents seeking a high-performing, no-nonsense education at an affordable price. It does not have an official website.

12. International School, Kano

This is one of the oldest international schools in the city, established primarily to serve the expatriate community but now with a diverse student body. It’s a co-educational day school that, from our research, focuses primarily on the British curriculum (IGCSE/A-Levels). It’s a definite premium fee school and a top choice for parents who are on an international career path and need a seamless transition for their children’s education.

Honourable Mentions

This list isn’t exhaustive. A few other excellent schools to research are:

YUMSUK Staff Secondary School: A good university-affiliated school with high academic standards.
Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Minjibir: Another top-tier, all-girls “Unity School” for boarding.
Dawakin Kudu Science College: A well-known public science college with a strong reputation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What’s the average cost of private secondary school in Kano?

Kano school fees vary massively.

Affordable schools (like the mission and federal schools) are typically between ₦70,000 – ₦150,000 per term.
Mid-range schools (like Prime or Queens) usually fall between ₦150,000 – ₦350,000 per term.
Premium schools (like NTIC or Crescent) can go from ₦400,000 to over ₦1,000,000 per term.

What are the best all-girls schools in Kano?

From our main list, Queens Science Academy is a top choice for its STEM focus, and St. Louis Secondary School is a highly-respected academic institution. You should also look into FGGC Minjibir.

Which schools offer the British (IGCSE) curriculum in Kano?

If you’re looking for British curriculum schools in Kano, your best bets are Nigerian Tulip (NTIC), Crescent International School, International School, Kano, and Newfield Kamfa Academy.

Final Thoughts

This list is a starting point, not a final answer. The “best” school is a personal decision that depends on your child’s specific needs, your family’s budget, and your core values.

Our advice: Shortlist three schools from this list. Call them, book a visit, and see the campus for yourself. That’s the only way to know for sure.