It was a celebration of discipline, sacrifice and exemplary character at the 2026 Passing-Out-Parade and Graduation Ceremony of the Nigerian Navy Secondary School, NNSS, Calabar, in Cross River State, South-South Nigeria as the Commandant, Captain Muhammad Nura Dalhatu, singled out graduating student, Zainab Opeyemi Zubair for outstanding conduct, describing her as one of the institution’s finest ambassadors.
The emotionally charged ceremony witnessed officers, instructors, parents and guests paying glowing tributes to the young graduate, whose six-year journey in the military institution culminated in a legacy of academic excellence, humility, leadership and selfless service.
Addressing the gathering, Captain Dalhatu recalled that shortly after assuming command in February 2025, he began identifying students whose conduct reflected the ideals of the institution, noting that Zainab immediately distinguished herself.
“When I came to this school in February 2025, I started identifying exceptional students, and Zainab was one of them because of her discipline.
“You will never find her name among the culprits. She was always reading her books and always focused. Even among the girls, who are generally disciplined, Zainab is one of the best students we have in this school. I am happy that our paths crossed,” he said.
The Commandant also praised her devotion to God and commitment to helping others. “She was always in the mosque, assisting fellow students, and she extended the same kindness in the hostel. She led by example, and that is the hallmark of true leadership.”
Also speaking, the Base Accounts and Budget Officer of the School, Leiutenant Comander Aquila Ojomoni Akagwu, described Zainab as a complete student who excelled both academically and morally.
According to him, she consistently demonstrated excellence in the cognitive, psychomotor and affective domains, while embodying the virtues of dedication, diligence and dutifulness.
He charged the graduating students to remain humble and never lose sight of the sacrifices of their parents.
“Whether you attend Harvard University or any other institution in the world, if you do not honour your parents, there will be no blessing. Always honour them, and God will bless your future.”
An emotional moment came when Zainab’s father, Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair, reflected on the day he enrolled his daughter in the school six years ago.
According to him, she cried as he left her in the military institution, but he remained convinced that the environment would mould her into a responsible and disciplined young woman.
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“Today, officers, instructors and every stakeholder have testified that she is disciplined, deeply religious, compassionate and a good leader.
“There is no greater joy for any parent than hearing others testify to the good character of their child,” he said.
The proud father revealed that after the graduation ceremony, many junior students wept because of the bond they had built with Zainab during her years in the school.
He added that rather than taking her belongings home, she donated all her military and non-military uniforms, jungle boots, mattress, bedding and other personal effects to her junior cadets.
“When I asked why she gave everything away, she simply said, ‘Daddy, I have given them to my junior ones.’ That touched me deeply because it reflected the values of compassion and selflessness the school has instilled in her.”
In her farewell remarks, Zainab expressed gratitude to God, her parents, siblings, family members, officers, instructors, civilian staff and friends for supporting her throughout her stay at the institution.
“I came, I saw and I conquered. I will miss the officers, instructors, civilian staff and my junior colleagues. This school has taught me discipline, patriotism, hard work, teamwork and selfless service. I will continue to uphold these values wherever I go, my moral is still high, onward together.”
She also expressed hope of attending the graduation of her younger siblings, particularly the one currently studying at the Nigerian Air Force Military School, Jos in Plateau State, North-Central Nigeria.
Among dignitaries who attended the ceremony because of Zainab were the representative of the Sarki Hausa-Fulani and Head of the Muslim Community in Cross River State, the Chief Missioner of NASFAT Calabar, Sheikh Abdulkadir Bature; the Chief Imam of the University of Calabar and Secretary of the Council of Imams and Scholars, Ustaz Kazeem Lawal; Mukadam Taofiq Lawal Nurul-Hakim from Ilorin; Dr. Kola Ahmed; Chairperson of FOMWAN, Lateefah Yahaya Idinye; Zainab’s mother, Zainab Zubair; and Shukrat Abisola Muhammed, who travelled from Abuja and Ilorin to witness the ceremony.
For many parents and guests, Zainab’s story symbolised the rewards of discipline, faith, resilience and good parenting, reinforcing the belief that academic success is most meaningful when accompanied by integrity, compassion and service to humanity.
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(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
