By Faith Eze
Charterhouse Lagos Founding Head and Director of Education, John Todd, has been honoured with the traditional chieftaincy title of Aare Oluko of Ogombo Kingdom in Lagos State. The title was conferred on him by the Oba of Ogombo Kingdom, HRM Oba Muslim Abiodun Ogunbo, Ogudu Oshadi of Ogombo Kingdom, during a ceremony held at the monarch’s palace on Saturday, August 22, 2026. The event attracted traditional rulers, community leaders, representatives of the Lagos State Government, education stakeholders and members of the Charterhouse Lagos leadership team. The honour is important because it connects education, traditional leadership and community development. Reports from PUNCH, The Nation, ThisDay and other Nigerian newspapers said Todd was recognised mainly for his contribution to education in Nigeria, his role in establishing Charterhouse Lagos and his relationship with the Ogombo community.
John Todd is not a new name in the education sector. He is the Founding Head and Director of Education of Charterhouse Lagos and has been involved in the school’s development from its early planning stages. According to the school, Todd has played important roles in planning, construction, procurement and staff recruitment. His professional experience covers different countries and educational environments. Charterhouse Lagos describes him as an experienced educational leader who has worked across continents and cultures. Before taking up his current role, he also had experience in Lagos education. Reports have noted that he previously served as head of Green Springs School in Lagos from 2001 to 2007. His experience has therefore helped him understand both international education and the Nigerian educational environment.
The new title also reflects the growing relationship between Charterhouse Lagos and the Ogombo community where the school is located. When a school enters a community, its responsibility should go beyond building classrooms and providing education. It also needs to build good relationships with the people around it. This appears to be an important part of the Charterhouse Lagos approach. The school has said that its Nigerian campus is designed to combine British educational traditions with Nigerian culture and local identity. Todd, while receiving the honour, expressed appreciation to the Oba and the people of Ogombo. He described the recognition as both humbling and deeply appreciated. He also highlighted the importance of education, service, partnership and youth development.
Charterhouse Lagos itself represents a major development in Nigeria’s education sector. It is the first African campus of the historic British Charterhouse institution and is located in Ogombo, on the Lekki peninsula. The school was announced as the first British independent school in West Africa and began its primary school programme in September 2024. It later expanded its secondary school programme. Charterhouse says its aim is to provide a high-quality British education in Nigeria, allowing children to receive international education without necessarily leaving the country. The school also places strong emphasis on maintaining Nigerian identity and values. Its philosophy, “Traditional Values. British Academic Excellence,” reflects its attempt to bring together the traditions of its British heritage with the culture and needs of its Nigerian environment.
For many people, the recognition of a foreign-born education leader with a traditional Nigerian title is also a sign of how communities can welcome people who contribute positively to their development. Traditional titles in Nigeria often carry cultural and social significance. In Todd’s case, the Aare Oluko title links his work in education with the community where he has spent years helping to establish a major educational institution. The ceremony was therefore more than a personal celebration. It also highlighted the relationship between the school and its host community. The presence of traditional leaders, government representatives and education stakeholders showed that education is connected to many parts of society. Schools need the support of communities, while communities also benefit when educational institutions contribute to the growth and development of young people.
Another important part of Todd’s work is youth development. Education is not only about passing examinations or gaining certificates. It is also about preparing young people to become responsible adults who can contribute to their families, communities and countries. Charterhouse Lagos has stated that its vision goes beyond academics, with attention to personal growth, safeguarding, extracurricular activities and the development of students. Todd has also spoken about the importance of young Nigerians developing strong connections with their culture while gaining the skills needed to compete internationally. In an interview about Charterhouse Lagos, he stressed the importance of young people receiving higher education and eventually returning to contribute to Nigeria. This wider view of education helps explain why his community relationship has become an important part of his work.
The Aare Oluko title also comes at a significant time for Charterhouse Lagos as the school continues to grow. Since its establishment, the institution has been working to build a strong educational community in Lagos. Its campus is designed to provide modern learning facilities while maintaining the traditions associated with the Charterhouse name. The school has continued to develop its primary and secondary sections, with boarding and wider educational opportunities forming part of its long-term plans. Todd has been at the centre of this development from the beginning. His installation as Aare Oluko therefore gives a traditional dimension to his connection with Ogombo. It can also strengthen the relationship between the school and the local community as both sides continue to work together in areas such as education, service and youth development.
John Todd’s installation as Aare Oluko of Ogombo Kingdom is a notable example of how education can create relationships that go beyond the classroom. The honour recognises his work in helping to establish and develop Charterhouse Lagos while also acknowledging the importance of maintaining a positive relationship with the Ogombo community. For Todd, it is a recognition of the work he has done and the responsibilities that come with leading a major educational institution. For Charterhouse Lagos, it represents another step in becoming part of its Nigerian environment rather than simply operating as a foreign institution. As the school continues to grow, the real value of this recognition will be seen in the strength of its relationship with the community and in the opportunities it creates for young people. The honour is therefore not only about a title; it is also about education, service, partnership, culture and the shared hope of building a better future for the next generation.