James Dahl, Master of Wellington College, a British independent school founded in the 1850s, speaks with Ruth Imafidon and Charles Ogwo about the network’s expansion into Africa, the partnership with Rendeavour to establish Wellington College International Lagos, and the importance of preparing young people for a changing world without compromising their cultural identity or essential human qualities. The school is scheduled to open in Alaro City in September 2027. Excerpts.
Wellington College has built its reputation over more than 170 years. What gives an institution with that history the confidence to make a long-term commitment to Nigeria, and what opportunity do you see here? To understand why we are coming to Nigeria, it helps to go back to Wellington College’s beginnings.
When Queen Victoria and Prince Albert founded the school in the 1850s, their ambition was to establish a pioneering institution with an outward-looking, global perspective. Our first headmaster was sent around the world to meet educational leaders and learn from the best schools and colleges. That spirit of curiosity, innovation, and international engagement has been part of Wellington’s DNA from the outset.
Around 20 years ago, we began translating that philosophy into a global family of schools, starting in China. The network has since expanded to Thailand, India, Indonesia and, more recently, San Francisco. Our international presence continues to grow, but Africa has been an ambition for some time. Nigeria stood out for several reasons. It is vibrant, creative and ambitious, with a large youth population and an extraordinary cultural and educational heritage.
Equally significant was the opportunity to partner with Rendeavour on its development of Alaro City. We found an organisation with a remarkable vision and an ambition that closely aligns with our own.