By Fred Iwenjora It has been tales of nostalgia for former pupils of Nigeria Navy Primary School, Apapa, Lagos as the school set up in1976 by the Nigeria Navy to fulfill the educational needs of its children as well as that of its stakeholders in Apapa turned 50 years. Former pupils many of them now parents were swarming like bees, shaking hands and hugging and ‘chopping knuckles’. The full week started with Jumat service, then followed with an excursion to War ship NNS BEECROFT located at Western Naval Command where the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mustapha commended the Nigerian Navy Primary School (NNPS), Mobil Road, Apapa, for its outstanding contributions to educational development in the past 50 years. It also had an Interdenominational church service within the week and a march past, community health outreach, Intellectual activities, sports and games and Alumni reunion day and a get-together party which brought together old pupils, parents and friends as well as members of the community. Speaking during the reunion day, Navy Lt. Commander Suleiman Rabiu, Head teacher traced the history of the Nigeria Navy Primary School. Beyond the activities, many of the old pupils of the school excitedly recounted to FRED IWENJORA about life and times at NNPS Apapa. First is Leonard Aro, a development communication specialist who went into the school in 1976. “I started my nursery school at NNPS Apapa and I feel so good being part of these events. I attended all the weeklong activities and I am so glad I did”. We almost burnt down my friend’s family house… – Ifeoma Ezenagu Ifeoma Ezenagu is a staff of Fouani Nig Ltd and of the Class of 1994. “My memories are many, part of which is that during break time we all followed our friend Julie who lived in the barracks to their home. But one day, we almost burnt down the building when someone opened the gas cylinder and fire caught the place. That was the last day we went to my friends house after school. So it is 50 years already? We are all getting old ooo. It is so good to reconnect with old friends.” I won’t ever forget seeing Nigeria’s warships as a kid…John Otah For John Otah, admitted in 1976 and passed out in 1982, “today, I work as a security detail in Nigeria’s downstream sector, but my heart still carries the memories of those early years that shaped me. I still remember our excursions, the Christmas carols and concerts, and the unforgettable visits to the Nigerian Navy warships. I also remember the dairy products served during lunch breaks, and how our school uniform made us stand out proudly among pupils from other schools. After 50 years, my heart is filled with gratitude and joy as we celebrate this golden jubilee. I acted John the Baptist for Christmas drama in primary 3 – Ugochukwu Enwereji Ugochukwu Enwereji is currently Special Projects Manager for AIM Group, owners of Cool FM, Wazobia FM, Nigeria Info, Arewa FM, Kids FM in Lagos, Kano, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Onitsha. “I remember Nigeria Navy Primary school very vividly. I attended the school with four of my other siblings. My primary school days started with football before morning assembly daily until my Mum flogged the hell out of me in front of my class teacher and mates in primary 3B … Then break period with Samco products and snacks … Then inter-house sports with Ambe, Lana, Olokun and the other houses we were divided into for competitions … “Then the funny Ajasa’s added to every song during assembly (devotion or marching songs) … Then the many excursions I was always part of especially visiting Naval ships, farms and interschool competitions … Then acting as John the Baptist for Christmas drama in primary 3 … And then the unofficial interclass football matches where my class never lost a game right from primary three till five. “The school is nostalgic because my mother was a teacher in the school before being transferred to NNPS, Okokomaiko. Navy Schools hold a very dear place in my heart. It formed my early life and still shapes how I adapt to things.” Our education that included both academics, creative and sports development – Dr Jonah Ulebor Dr Jonah Ulebor, another Old pupil of Nigeria Navy Primary School, who is currently Lecturer and Director, GEEP Education noted that “NNPS reminds me of great all round education that included both academics, creative and sports development. A place where every child was truly equal and education was a level playing field. Strong friendships on the playground have gone on to last decades. Amazing that the school has come this far and wish it grows and delivers greater legacies for more generations to come. Congratulations to Management. Staff and Students. Vanguard News The post Navy Primary School 50th Anniversary: ‘Mum flogged me in front of my class tea
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