By Chukwumaechi Godwin
The government of Rivers State has expressed readiness to model its secondary schools’ boarding system after that of Nigerian Navy schools with the aim of producing disciplined leaders.
State Commissioner for Education, Ovy Chinedum Chukwuma, who announced this at the 2024 graduation and passing out parade at the Navy Secondary School in Borokiri, Port Harcourt said it was because of the high discipline and character excellence the Navy is known for.
He said that Rivers State would model their boarding schools along the system by the Navy college urging all public schools across the country to copy the system because of the many problems of leadership and discipline it might solve.
He said: “We want this to happen in boarding schools in the state. We see it will help improve results in our schools.
“I wish all Nigerian children pass through this level of discipline and grooming. This is the right foundation for any nation, a college system that drills the students into high discipline, character, and best practices of doing things. I am happy this school is in Rivers State. It is very neat and well-ordered with neat compound.”
Chukwuma added: “We will model this and we will partner with the school authority to find ways of supporting this school as we get our system to work with the lessons from here.”
He assured them that the state government will partner with the Navy system because of the kind of man the governor is. “He has a good heart. He will support good ideas that can help the children of Rivers State”, he asserted.
The commissioner pointed out that the performance on display was overwhelming and spectacular saying “The performance is heartwarming especially the display of discipline, character, and precision.”
He also used the opportunity to announce that Governor Siminalayi Fubara has big interest in education, which is one of the top priorities of the administration.
“The doors of the Ministry of Education are open to deepen the good results of the Navy school and develop the model around the state.”
It was not only the state government that was overwhelmed by the spectacular performances. A real estate investor, Mayor of Housing, My-ACE China, was moved to donating N1.35 million to promote the ideals of the Navy school.
He said every right-thinking Nigerian who made it to the venue would surely be elated at what was on display on Saturday.
He talked about the three remaining pillars of the Nigerian society, the military being at the top. “So, the military is very important in the survival of Nigeria and in resisting attacks on the fabrics of the nation’s defence mechanism.”
The commandant of the college, C.E. Omezurike, told the graduands to understand that: “You are the torchbearers of our legacy, and the hope and aspirations of the entire school. The world is evolving fast, and it is through thirst for knowledge and a willingness to adapt that you will stay ahead.”
The chairman on the day who has been boosting development at the Navy school said the students there were being prepared to rescue the nation from woes.
“I support this school because more leaders are needed. The problem of Nigeria will only be solved by Nigerians. It will never come from the moon or from other nations. Every nation is solving its own problems.
“These students we see here today will go very far in life. They will go higher.
“Parents are advised to read the souvenir (brochure) to understand many things and the processes their children underwent as well as the philosophy of the Navy school.”
The day began parade of the ‘Colour Party’ during which the moderators explained the significance, saying: “It is a very significant parade which tries to capture the importance of doing everything in the battlefield to protect the colour of the country’s army or the wing of the command fighting in the battle.
“In the school, the colours are carried by the students with the most impeccable records from start to graduation. They are the elite squad of the school. There must be no stain on their records. The Colour Party is commanded by Ogale De Great who was born in Isoko North LGA of Delta State.”
The school graduated 193 students with 63 females.
