Primegate Academy: Harnessing Education to Groom Responsible, Empathetic Citizens 

In today’s world, where poverty and insecurity are constantly widening the education gap and increasing inequality in society, Primegate International Academy, Abuja, has emphasised harnessing the transformative power of education in shaping responsible, empathetic citizens who actively contribute to societal well-being. Uchechukwu Nnaike reports

Primegate International Academy, Abuja, was established in 2014 with the vision and mission of becoming an internationally acclaimed school that educates and moulds children in every aspect of child development—making learning a practical experience by using modern technology and preparing children for the 21st-century workplace.

As the institution turns 10, the Head of School, Ms. Chisom Uzoigwe, expressed satisfaction with the school’s achievements so far. 

Describing the school as a place where excellence meets compassion, she said what began as a vision to provide quality education has flourished into a thriving institution with two branches at Kubwa and Lokogoma, Abuja, with the potential of further expansion.

“Our roots are embedded in a commitment to nurturing young minds and fostering holistic development. We started with a modest number of learners, driven by a passion to create an educational haven that transcends conventional boundaries,” said Uzoigwe. “Today, our halls echo with the vibrant energy of hundreds of curious learners, each a testament to the transformative power of education.”

According to her, the school has built a community that values diversity, inclusivity, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. 

She added, “We are known for our carefully designed curriculum, which values critical thinking, creativity and a sincere love of learning. Our teaching methodology combines the best elements of Nigerian and British educational systems to provide students with a well-rounded education that is applicable globally. 

“Our devoted instructors and other staff members are committed to fostering intellectual development and inspiring students to investigate, challenge assumptions, and come up with new ideas. We adopt a dynamic, interactive approach that goes beyond traditional teaching methods to pique students’ curiosity and prepare them for success in a world that is ever-changing.”

She stated that the school’s commitment to providing an unparalleled educational experience is evident in its state-of-the-art facilities. 

Uzoigwe explained that “our modern classrooms create” an optimal learning environment, complemented by well-equipped science labs that inspire hands-on exploration. 

“Embracing cutting-edge technology, we ensure students are prepared for the future. The expansive sports facilities not only promote physical well-being but also foster teamwork and sportsmanship,” she stressed. “Our well-stocked library is a hub for intellectual growth, offering a diverse range of resources.”

Uzoigwe added that the school’s state-of-the-art ICT centres provide learners access to the latest technology, ensuring they are well-versed in digital skills essential for the 21st century. These centres serve as hubs for exploration, collaboration, and hands-on learning, reinforcing “our commitment” to preparing learners for success in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.

Uzoigwe stated that the school’s commitment to cultivating a global mindset is evident through its robust proposed international exchange programmes, immersive multicultural events, and a curriculum inspired by global best practices.

“We believe in preparing students for success in an interconnected world, emphasising cross-cultural understanding, collaboration, and adaptability. From innovative teaching methods to a diverse and inclusive learning environment, we strive to equip learners with the skills and perspectives needed to thrive in a globalized society,” stated Uzoigwe.

Emphasising its commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment, Uzoigwe highlighted the school’s belief that every student deserves an inclusive, respectful, and collaborative space to thrive.

The school takes pride in cultivating “a nurturing atmosphere where diversity is celebrated, and students are encouraged to embrace their unique identities and perspectives.”

She said the school also believes in the transformative power of parental involvement in a child’s education, with a commitment to fostering strong partnerships with parents at the core of our educational philosophy. 

Uzoigwe said, “We prioritise a collaborative approach, recognising that when parents and teachers work together, learners thrive. Our school actively encourages and facilitates regular parent-teacher communication channels, ensuring a transparent and supportive environment. 

“Parents are integral partners in the educational journey, with various involvement opportunities provided, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility. We understand that a united front between home and school is key to unlocking each student’s full potential, creating a rich and fulfilling educational experience.”

She said in addition to its dedication to community engagement, the school goes the extra mile to provide learners with valuable hands-on experiences through internship programmes.

Uzoigwe believes that practical exposure is an integral part of a holistic education, and our carefully curated internship opportunities allow our students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings, fostering a deeper understanding of their chosen fields. 

She said the school recognises the importance of addressing educational disparities in the broader community, organising book donation campaigns to public schools, and ensuring that underprivileged learners have access to essential learning resources. Similarly, through the Primegate Foundation, the school provides scholarships to indigent students committed to academic excellence. 

“By combining internship and scholarship initiatives with our commitment to educational equality, we aim to create a well-rounded educational environment that not only benefits our learners but also contributes positively to the local community. This multi-faceted approach reflects our belief in the transformative power of education in shaping responsible, empathetic citizens who actively contribute to societal well-being,” she said. 

Sharing the school’s success story, Uzoigwe said Primegate was rated top-four at the Zenith Bank Competitions’ True Contest in 2022 and emerged champions at the Bank’s Competitions’ Super Speller Quiz for schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nasarawa and Niger in 2023. She said the school also qualified for the Nigerian Spelling Bee regional stage in 2021. 

“One of our learners demonstrated exceptional writing skills by qualifying as top-150 in the Fidelity Bank R2L Essay Competition 2024. The school has also maintained steady progress in its external examinations- West African Examinations Council (WAEC), National Examinations Council (NECO) and Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) from 70 per cent pass rate in 2020 to 89 per cent in 2023. We hope to achieve 99 per cent in 2024 with the extra dedication by the management, teachers and the learners,” Uzoigwe disclosed.

She said the school secured gold medals in the 400m (boys and girls) at the Golden Good Shepherd School inter-house sports competition in 2023 and 2024. Also, the FCT Department of Quality Assurance nominated three teachers in 2022, highlighting the school’s commitment to academic excellence and teaching quality. 

“We take immense pride in the remarkable success stories that define our legacy. Our alumni stand as symbols of excellence, flourishing in diverse fields globally. From entrepreneurs to esteemed professionals and accomplished scholars, their journeys began with the solid foundation laid at Primegate. Witness the impact of our holistic education through testimonials that speak of resilience, leadership, and academic prowess,” Uzoigwe stated.