NNSS Calabar Honours Graduate For Discipline, Leadership, Selfless Service

The Commandant of the Nigerian Navy Secondary School (NNSS), Calabar, Captain Muhammad Nura Dalhatu, has praised graduating student Zainab Opeyemi Zubair for her exemplary discipline, leadership and selfless service, describing her as one of the institution’s finest ambassadors.

Speaking at the school’s 2026 Passing Out Parade and Graduation Ceremony, Dalhatu said Zainab distinguished herself through her conduct and commitment to the values of the military institution.

“When I came to this school in February 2025, I started identifying exceptional students, and Zainab was one of them because of her discipline,” he said.

“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.”

The Commandant also commended her devotion to God and willingness to help 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.

The school’s Base Accounts and Budget Officer, Lieutenant Commander Aquila Ojomoni Akagwu, described Zainab as a well-rounded student who excelled academically and demonstrated outstanding character.

He urged the graduating students to remain humble and honour their parents, saying, “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.”
Zainab’s father, Alhaji Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair, recalled enrolling his daughter in the school six years ago despite her initial fears, expressing gratitude that she had grown into a disciplined, compassionate and responsible young woman.

“There is no greater joy for any parent than hearing others testify to the good character of their child,” he said.
He revealed that after the ceremony, Zainab donated all her military and non-military uniforms, jungle boots, mattress, bedding and other personal belongings to 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,” he added.

In her farewell address, Zainab thanked God, her parents, officers, instructors, civilian staff and colleagues for supporting her throughout her six-year stay at the institution.

“I came, I saw and I conquered. This school has taught me discipline, patriotism, hard work, teamwork and selfless service. I will continue to uphold these values wherever I go,” she said.

The ceremony was attended by family members, religious leaders and community representatives, including the representative of the Sarki Hausa/Fulani and Head of the Muslim Community in Cross River State, Sheikh Abdulkadir Bature; the Chief Imam of the University of Calabar, Ustaz Kazeem Lawal; Mukadam Taofiq Lawal Nurul-Hakim; Dr Kola Ahmed; FOMWAN Chairperson Hajia Lateefah Yahaya Idinye; Zainab’s mother, Hajia Zainab Zubair; and Hajia Shukrat Abisola Muhammed.

Guests described Zainab’s journey as a testament to the values of discipline, faith, resilience and good parenting, saying her story demonstrated that academic excellence is most meaningful when combined with integrity, compassion and service to others.