Navy Primary School 50th Anniversary: ‘Mum flogged me in front of my class teacher and mates’

The Nigeria Navy Primary School (NNPS) in Apapa, Lagos, marked its 50th anniversary with a week of celebratory events, bringing together former pupils, parents, and community members. Established in 1976 by the Nigerian Navy, the school was founded to serve the educational needs of naval personnel's children and the wider Apapa community.

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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.

The anniversary festivities commenced with a Jumat service, followed by an excursion to the warship NNS BEECROFT. During the visit, the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mustapha, commended NNPS for its significant contributions to educational development over the past five decades. The week also included an interdenominational church service, a march past, community health outreach, intellectual activities, sports, and a grand reunion party.

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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.

Alumni shared heartfelt and often humorous recollections of their school days. Leonard Aro, who started nursery school in 1976, expressed joy at participating in the week-long activities. Ifeoma Ezenagu, a graduate from the Class of 1994, recalled a near-disastrous incident where a group of friends almost set fire to a friend's family home after accidentally tampering with a gas cylinder during a visit. John Otah, who attended from 1976 to 1982, reflected on how his time at NNPS shaped him, cherishing memories of excursions, Christmas carols, and visits to Nigerian Navy warships. Ugochukwu Enwereji, now a Special Projects Manager, reminisced about acting in Christmas dramas and the distinct school uniforms that fostered a sense of pride.

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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.