Mrs Idongesit Etiebet, Commissioner for Education, Akwa Ibom State, with Young Sailors at the Nigerian Navy Military School, during an award and prizes ceremony.
The mission of the Nigerian Navy to provide a rounded secondary school education on the foundation of naval discipline that is laced with basic maritime practices and culture was yesterday, 11th August, 2023 met with the graduation of 54 Young Sailors.
In an elaborate celebration of the maiden Young Sailors who awaits their passing out parade today, Saturday, 12th August, 2023 from the Nigerian Navy Military School, Ikot Ntuen, Oruk Anam Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State, the Commissioner for Education in Akwa Ibom State, Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet during a speech and prize-giving day of pioneer Young Sailors has noted the contribution of the Nigerian Navy in the training and moulding of young Nigerians in education and patriotism.
The Commissioner who graced the event as Guest of Honour and Mother of the Day, also said she was proud of the discipline and maturity exhibited by the young sailors while acknowledging the roles played both by instructors, teachers and parents in preparing the young sailors for the future, describing education as a task that all must contribute to better the lots of every child for the benefit of society.
Counselling the maiden graduands on the expectations from them, she said, “you have been brought up in a great citadel of learning…, you have been taught patriotism, and discipline. So, as you go into your new next ventures, I urge you to always make patriotism and discipline your watchword as the sky would be your starting point.”
Extending the appreciation of the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno to the Nigerian Navy for siting the institution in the State, Mrs Etiebet further said, “we are very proud of the Nigerian Navy, especially the recent announcement by the force to site in the State a sister school to cater for the education of girls; describing Nigerian Navy as a worthy partner to Akwa Ibom State Government.
Unveiling the school magazine published by the graduating class of the institution, the Special Guest of Honour at the event who is the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Olusola Kolawole Oluwagbire expressed delight on the intelligence displayed by the young graduating sailors by the publication and congratulated them.
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Rear Admiral Oluwagbire also charged the graduating set to sustain the various knowledge they had learnt from the school to assist in building a responsible society wherever they may found themselves after their passing out parade and education at this level.
Meanwhile, the Commandant of the school, Captain Abdulaziz Abubaka Yabo who welcomed dignitaries at the event, said, “it could be respectfully recalled that the Nigerian Navy Military School was commissioned in May 2018. In line with the mission of the school which is to “provide a rounded secondary school education on the foundation of naval discipline that is laced with basic maritime practices and culture”.
“This has been the moving force of the school and today the school has produced its first set in line with the set mission equipped to attain greater achievements,” he added.
According to the Commandant, “to further achieve this, the school training activities are divided into academics, military and leadership trainings. These training activities are further organized into academic sessions. The end of each academic session is marked with customary events identified with both military and academic ceremonies.”
Records has it that the school which started six years ago, has trained its maiden Young Sailors in series of academic, military and leadership trainings within and outside the school environment where students gained knowledge in activities comprising class work, practical exercises, examinations and excursions, as well as intra and inter schools quiz and debates among other academic competitions.
Captain Yabo also listed the achievements of the school from inception to include, an excellent performance in 2023 JAMB UTME with a Young Sailor scoring 316, adding that, all the Young Sailors presented for JAMB UTME scored above University cut-off marks.
He noted that, “the School was also adjudged the best School in Physics, 2nd position in Chemistry and Information for Senior Secondary School organized by Nigerian Mathematics and Sciences Olympiad in 2022, as well as an outstanding performance in the 2022/2023 WAEC external examination with over 100 A’s cut across all subjects.”
Other excellent records attained by the school includes, successful outing in the 2022/2023 National Spelling Bee Competition, where the school emerged first position in the Junior Secondary School category.
He said the school as part of extra-curricular activities for the Young Sailors, the chemistry department produced quality paint for the school fully by the Young Sailors, as the paint was used in the painting of the entire school.
He acknowledged the support of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral EI Ogalla and other top Naval officials for the smooth running and management of the school.
Presenting the graduation lecture on the topic, “Patriotism, A Panacea for Security and National Development”, Dr. Victor Williams said for any nation to attain security and develop, citizens must imbibe the tenets of patriotism.
The Founder and Chairman, Board of Trustees of Ibom Metropolitan Polytechnic, Uyo noted that, “patriotism is an important factor in achieving security and national development could be amplified by the contents of the Nigerian Constitution, the National Anthem, the National Pledge and Oaths that is administered to public officers during swearing in.”
Dr. Williams charged the Young Sailors and other Nigerians to their patriotic stand by adopting the very cardinal declarations as embedded in the various nationally recognised documents anchored in love, strength and faith, loyal, honest and help from God.
In his valedictory speech, Young Sailor Muhammad Sadiq who appreciated efforts of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral EI Ogalla and other officers in the Nigerian Navy particularly, the Commandant of the Nigerian Navy Military School, Ikot Ntuen, Captain Abdulaziz Abubaka Yabo, also acknowledged the support of the Akwa Ibom State Government to ensure their quality education and training.
He pledged on behalf of his mates to uphold the highest quality education and training they received in the school as their contribution to the development of Nigeria.
Highlights at the occasion included display of Nigerian cultural heritages in dance, songs, as well as presentation of prizes and awards to best graduating student, Young Sailor Edozie Pascal, and others.
