By Philomina Attah

Ms Ramatu Aliyu, the Director of GEMSland Private School, Abuja, has called on the Federal Government to enact education policies that would create a friendly environment for private school owners.

Aliyu made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the school’s graduation ceremony for its class of 2025 in Abuja.

According to her, the government should also support, rather than stifle, private education across the country.

Aliyu also reflected on the school’s mission and the hurdles faced by private educators in Nigeria.

“Education is the bedrock of any nation. The future of Nigeria depends on it.

“We urge the Federal Government to help us thrive so we can continue to nurture loyal, capable, and innovative citizens prepared for the challenges of the next century,” she said.

The school proprietress said that the government’s role in supporting education was critical, and criticised the proliferation of agencies and the burden of overlapping taxes.

“The government, they’re a nightmare. They have set up all sorts of agencies that don’t know anything about education per se.

“They are always knocking at our doors, threatening to close down our schools. For them, it’s all about the money and the profit.

“We want to be good citizens. We want to pay our taxes, but multiple agencies from the FCT, local governments, and sanitation authorities are charging us the same fees,” she said.

Aliyu added that the policy of double taxation was forcing many private schools to shut down.

She emphasised the holistic upbringing of students, which underscores her school’s focus on moral values aimed at shaping pupils into good leaders and ambassadors for Nigeria.

“I’m very excited, and I’m happy and glad we had a successful graduation for our reception pupils and grade six , class of 2025.

“GEMSland is a young school, but our vision goes beyond academics; we foster creative thinking, problem solving, teamwork, and lifelong learning,” she said.

Aliyu said that the event was not just a graduation ceremony but a celebration of vision, values, and victorious outcomes.

She acknowledged the wisdom and trust of parents, noting that, “When you entrusted us with your child’s education, you didn’t just choose a school, you chose a future, a foundation, and a family.”

While celebrating Gemsland’s unique approach, she described education as a journey, students as “fires to ignite,” and parents as “partners in this sacred mission.”

According to her, the school is dedicated to shaping not just successful exam-takers, but kind, capable, and confident young people who will thrive beyond the classroom.

Highlighting the impact of a Gemsland education, she assured parents, “You didn’t just buy a seat in a classroom. You bought access to purpose.

“You didn’t just pay for books, you paid for boldness. You didn’t just register your child but you unlocked their future.”

To the graduates, she charged them to remember their roots with pride.

“You didn’t just go to any school. You went to the right school. You are, and forever will be, a proud product of excellence.

“To the world, watch out. These children are coming. Congratulations, Class of 2025. May your light never dim,” she said.

Also speaking, Mr Albert Chidozie, the school’s head teacher,  expressed gratitude and commended the outstanding achievements of the students.

He highlighted their impressive performances in competitions, especially their victory at the renowned Cowbell Mathematics Competition.

“The children performed above average, excellently well. It is something to celebrate, especially the success and dedication of teachers and supportive parents.”

Chidozie also took the opportunity to address broader issues in Nigeria’s  education sector, urging the government to provide greater support for schools in the country.

He called for a shift towards child-centered learning.

He highlighted the importance of nurturing creativity and independence in students, rather than relying on rote learning and teacher-centered methods.

“We want the government to train teachers so they can help children be creative, innovative, and able to bring out something by themselves, not just copy.

“Gemsland, which operates a British curriculum, prides itself in fostering an environment where children are encouraged to learn and create independently.

He appreciated everyone who made the celebration possible, reiterating the school’s commitment to excellence and the holistic development of every child.

The Chairman, Parents, Teachers Association (PTA), Mr Kazim Abdurazak beamed with pride as he watched his son graduate from GEMSland Private School.

He said this was the second graduation ceremony he had attended at the school, and was impressed by the progress he had seen.

Abdurazak was optimistic about its potential, adding that after witnessing its growth and improvement firsthand, he was eager to spread the word about the school’s excellence.

“Thumps up for the school for their commitment to academic excellence to our children.

“I am thrilled to see my son thrive under the school’s guidance. The school’s impact on my  son’s life is evident,” he said.

Mrs Hauwa Oniyangi, one of the invited guests, urged the graduates not to be afraid of their mistakes, reassuring them “because we all make mistakes, and it’s okay.”

She said that the graduates were capable and deserving of pride.

“Always be proud of yourself and don’t try to be someone else. You are enough, just as you are,” she said.

NAN also reports that highlights of the celebration were some presentations by the pupils and award of certificates for outstanding students.(NAN)

Edited by Mark Longyen