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, 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 colourful ceremony drew officers, instructors, parents and distinguished guests, many of whom paid glowing tributes to the young graduate whose six-year journey at the military institution culminated in a remarkable record of academic excellence, discipline, 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 embodied the ideals of the institution, noting that Zainab immediately stood out.
‘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 remained 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 willingness to support fellow students.
‘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,’ he added.
Also speaking, the Base Accounts and Budget Officer of the Nigerian Navy Secondary School, Lieutenant Commander Aquila Ojomoni Akagwu, described Zainab as an all-round student who excelled academically and displayed exceptional moral character.
According to him, she consistently distinguished herself in the cognitive, psychomotor and affective domains while exemplifying dedication, diligence and a strong sense of duty.
He urged the graduating students to remain humble and never lose sight of the sacrifices made by 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,’ he said.
An emotional moment came when Zainab’s father, Alhaji Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair, reflected on the day he enrolled his daughter in the school six years ago.
He recalled that she cried when he left her at the military institution but said he remained convinced that the environment would mould her into a disciplined and responsible young woman.
‘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 disclosed that many junior students became emotional after the graduation ceremony because of the close bond they had developed with Zainab during her years in the school.
He also revealed that instead of taking her belongings home, she donated all her military and non-military uniforms, jungle boots, mattress, bedding and other personal effects to her junior colleagues.
‘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,’ he said.
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 morale is still high. Onward together,’ she said.
She also expressed hope of attending the graduation ceremony of her younger siblings, particularly one currently studying at the Nigerian Air Force Military School, Jos.
Among the dignitaries who attended the ceremony 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 of Ilorin; Dr Kola Ahmed; the Chairperson of FOMWAN, Hajia Lateefah Yahaya Idinye; Zainab’s mother, Hajia Zainab Zubair; and Hajia Shukrat Abisola Muhammed, who travelled from Abuja and Ilorin to witness the event.
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.