Principals Profile

Auntie Margaret International School, Calabar is one of the most reputable private schools, south of the Niger. Behind its success story is an amiable woman of immense capabilities, Mrs. Jennifer Bassey Duke, Principal, Proprietress and Chief Executive Officer of the school.

As the daughter and successor to the late founder of the institution, she has ensured that the labor of her heroic mother, late Elder (Mrs.) Obonganwan Margaret Arit Akpan did not go in vain.

Today, Mrs. Jennifer Bassey Duke has succeeded in using her international institution training, expertise and exposure to build the institution into a model, world class school where students learn under the most favorable conditions assisted by qualified teachers. With sound knowledge of education and public sector, excellent ability to liaise at all levels and profound management and leadership skills, she has adequately catered for the educational needs of Nigerian children.

Born in the post independence years, Jennifer Duke has spent most of her adult life in England where she worked in many schools in various capacities and with different categories of clientele including children with special needs. She currently holds approval as a service provider for children under 8 years of age in Barnet Council, North London. She worked at BNA, Reliance Resources, London from 1988 to 1994, and Furness Childcare Center Harlesden, London between 1994 to 1995. She was at Gower House Nursery School Blue Arrow, London from 1997 to 2000 and Helping Hands Agency, London between 1997 to 2001.

Upon the glorious demise of he mother and founder of Auntie Margaret Internal School, Mrs. Jennifer Duke voluntarily relocated to Nigeria fro the UK to take charge of the affairs of the school. Today, the school boasts of a population of 1,200 pupils manned by 165 members of teaching and non-teaching staff who have the requisite qualifications. Comprising of daycare, kindergarten, primary and a 21st century model secondary school, the school's unrivalled academic excellence attest to her renowned standards of service delivery.

Like a golden fish that has no hiding place, Mrs. Jennifer Duke has earned numerous awards for her innumerable notable achievements. These include, City People Magazine Award, University of Calabar Women Associate Award for Outstanding Performance in the area of Child Education, the Rotary Club of Calabar award for her school's contribution to the educational advancement of the people of Cross River State and many others.

Mrs. Jennifer Bassey Duke enjoys reading, traveling, sewing and hair dressing during her leisure. She is married and blessed with children. It is in recognition her immense contribution to the country's educational development that she is honored with Distinguished Leadership in National Development Gold Award by Corporate and Media Africa Communication Limited.