Rivers To Adopt Navy College’s Model To Produce Disciplined Leaders
•Investor Donates N1.35m To Promote School’s Ideals
From MAUREEN DICK, Port Harcourt
The Rivers State government has indicated interest in adopting the Nigerian Navy College system noted for high discipline and character excellence in public boarding schools in the state.
The indication emerged at the 2024 graduation and passing out parade at the Navy Secondary School in Borokiri, Port Harcourt, at the weekend.
State Commissioner of Education, Ovy Chinedum Chukwuma, said that Rivers State government would model its boarding schools along the system by the Navy College.
Chukwuma said government wants the model to even go beyond the state to all parts of Nigeria because of the many problems of leadership and discipline it may 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 of 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 went on: “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 (Governor Siminalayi Fubara) has a good heart. He will support good ideas that can help the children of Rivers State.”
The commissioner said the performance on display was overwhelming and spectacular.
“The performance is heartwarming especially the display of discipline, character, and precision.”
The commissioner continued that the governor 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.”
Meanwhile, a real estate investor, Mayor of Housing, My-ACE China, was overwhelmed by the spectacular performances of the college and donated N1.35 million to promote the ideals of the Navy school.
China said every Nigerian who made it to the venue would surely be elated at what was on display at the school.
He said: “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.”
Chairman of the occasion said the students were 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 school graduated 193 students with 63 females.