Juliet Oladele, Reporting
THE Nigerian Navy Secondary School (NNSS), Ogbomoso, has urged its 2025/2026 graduating students to uphold the values of discipline, integrity, patriotism and excellence as they prepare to embark on the next phase of their academic and professional journeys.
This formed the central message in a series of goodwill and farewell addresses delivered by senior Nigerian Navy officers, the school management and student leaders during the school’s graduation ceremony, all of whom commended the graduating class for their resilience, academic accomplishments and exemplary conduct.
The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral AA Mustapha, described the graduation as a celebration of years of hard work, perseverance and moral development.
He congratulated the Commandant, management, staff, parents and graduating students, noting that the occasion represented “the successful completion of an important phase” in the students’ academic journey.
According to him, the graduation was not only a recognition of academic success but also a testament to the leadership qualities and sound moral upbringing the institution had consistently imparted.
”As you graduate today, you join the ranks of distinguished alumni who have gone on to make meaningful contributions to our nation and humanity at large.”
Rear Admiral Mustapha reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to quality education, describing it as a vital instrument for nation-building.
He praised NNSS Ogbomoso for providing an enabling environment that promotes academic excellence, discipline, patriotism, integrity and selfless service.
”The school’s unwavering commitment to producing responsible, confident and morally upright young men and women is highly commendable,” he stated.
Addressing the graduating students, the FOC encouraged them to approach life with confidence, courage and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
”Your success will depend not only on your academic qualifications but also on your character, resilience, discipline and willingness to continue learning.”
He reminded the students that true leadership is founded on integrity, humility, hard work and service to others.
Rear Admiral Mustapha also applauded the Commandant, teachers, instructors, administrative staff and the Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) for their dedication in moulding the students, while expressing appreciation to parents and guardians for their sacrifices and unwavering support throughout their children’s education.
He concluded with prayers for God’s guidance, wisdom, protection and abundant success for the graduating class.
Director of Naval Education applauds students’ achievements
Similarly, the Director of Naval Education, Captain CO Dick-Ubi, congratulated the graduating students on the successful completion of their secondary education.
He described the publication of the school’s yearbook as a significant milestone that showcases the achievements and uniqueness of both the graduating class and the institution.
”It is delightful to know that you have proven yourselves to be worthy ambassadors of the school both in character and learning,” he said.
Acknowledging the academic and behavioural rigours the students underwent during their six-year stay, Captain Dick-Ubi expressed confidence in their ability to excel in future endeavours.
”Life is full of challenges; therefore be bold and take up challenges as they come your way and never be discouraged or overwhelmed.”
He advised the graduates to uphold discipline, hard work, knowledge, integrity and the fear of God, values for which the school is widely known.
The naval education chief equally commended teachers, instructors and civilian staff for their commitment to building the students’ capacities, expressing optimism that their efforts would continue to yield excellent examination results.
He assured staff that the Directorate of Naval Education would continue to collaborate with Naval Headquarters to improve academic performance, infrastructure and staff welfare across Navy schools.
Commandant reflects on six-year journey
In his farewell address, the Commandant of NNSS Ogbomoso, Captain IA Adamu, reflected on the school’s mission since its establishment on 13 October 2012.
He said the institution had consistently fulfilled its mandate of producing disciplined future leaders through quality education and character development.
The Commandant appreciated the Chief of the Naval Staff, the Western Naval Command, the Directorate of Naval Education, members of staff and parents for their invaluable support.
Describing the students’ six-year journey as one of growth, discovery and transformation, he noted that they had overcome academic challenges, celebrated achievements, developed lifelong friendships and cultivated resilience.
”As our graduating students conclude this important chapter, they do so not merely with certificates, but with knowledge, skills, values and experiences that prepare them for greater responsibilities and opportunities ahead.”
Captain Adamu encouraged the graduates to use the solid foundation laid by the school as a stepping stone to greater achievements.
He urged them to face future opportunities and challenges with courage and determination while remaining worthy ambassadors of their alma mater.
Deputy Commandant cautions against peer pressure
The Deputy Commandant, Commander SO Emiola, on his part, challenged the graduating students to embrace adulthood with maturity, wisdom and personal responsibility.
He reminded them that each person’s journey to success is unique and warned against comparing themselves with others.
”You must find your own path, run your own race and remain true to your values with purpose and conviction,” he admonished.
Commander Emiola further cautioned that freedom without discipline could become destructive.
”The liberty to make decisions is one of life’s greatest gifts while the consequences of such decisions are yours to bear,” he said.
He therefore advised the graduates to choose their friends wisely and ensure that wisdom and sound principles always guided their decisions rather than peer pressure.
Quoting the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Iddi Abbas, he reminded the students: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts.”
He prayed that the graduates would possess the wisdom to make sound decisions, overcome setbacks and positively impact society.
Student leaders pay emotional tributes
The ceremony also featured heartfelt farewell speeches from the school’s Senior Prefect Boy, Uchendu Lincoln Chimobi, and Senior Prefect Girl, Nwakolezi Theresa Munachi.
Chimobi expressed profound gratitude to the school for shaping the graduating class into disciplined and responsible young men and women.
Reflecting on their six-year experience, he said: “This school did what Navy Welfare Schools do best. It raised us with care when we stumbled, and with courage when we needed to stand.”
He thanked the institution for instilling discipline through its routines and praised the school’s emphasis on responsibility, resilience and pride.
Addressing junior students, he urged them to protect the school’s legacy.
”Guard the name, raise the flag higher than we did… The ship is now yours.”
In her own farewell speech, Munachi described NNSS Ogbomoso as more than just a school.
”It has been a crucible where we’ve been forged, shaped and prepared for the journey ahead.”
She thanked the teaching and non-teaching staff for their patience, dedication and commitment to nurturing students.
Calling on her fellow graduates to remain worthy ambassadors of the institution, Munachi, who emerged as the overall best graduating student in academics, urged them to uphold discipline, integrity and excellence throughout their lives.
To the younger students, she advised them to embrace every opportunity for learning and personal growth.
”The foundation you build now will determine the heights you can reach. Remember the legacy of those who came before you and strive to surpass it,” she admonished.
Stonix News reports that the 180 graduating SS3 students, clad in ceremonial naval parade kits, did a slow and fast march past to the applause admiration of special guests, their teachers and parents.
The graduation ceremony ended with expressions of gratitude and renewed commitments by both staff and students to preserve the enduring values of the Nigerian Navy Secondary School, Ogbomoso, as the Class of 2025/2026 formally joined the ranks of the institution’s alumni.
Recall that a dinner night had held for the graduating students the previous day, July 17, at the school premises in which witnessed the display of gorgeous army green dinner wears amid fanfare and entertainment.
