The National Association of Seadogs, also known as the Pyrates Confraternity, has unveiled the maiden edition of the Nathaniel Oyelola Memorial Scholarship Scheme (NOMS), an education support initiative aimed at helping indigent secondary school students register for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
The scholarship scheme, named in honour of Engineer Nathaniel Oyelola, one of the seven founding members of the Pyrates Confraternity, is designed to ease financial constraints that often prevent academically promising students from completing secondary education and transitioning to higher learning.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the National Cap’n of the association, Dr Joseph Oteri, the Confraternity said the first edition of NOMS achieved nationwide coverage, with 34 public secondary schools nominated across 12 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The beneficiary states are Oyo, Imo, Benue, Nasarawa, Ogun, Cross River, Anambra, Abia, Kaduna, Enugu, Ebonyi and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
According to the statement, 227 students benefited from the scheme through the Community-Led Stream, under which schools and local communities identified deserving candidates, while eight other students were supported through the Direct Application Stream. This brought the total number of beneficiaries to 235.
The Confraternity explained that the dual-application structure was introduced to promote inclusivity by combining community-based nominations with an open application process for individual students.
Speaking on the launch of the scheme, Dr Oteri described NOMS as both a tribute to a founding member and a reflection of the organisation’s enduring commitment to service, justice and education.
“The introduction of NOMS is a tribute to the legacy of Engineer Nathaniel Oyelola and a reaffirmation of our commitment to service, justice and education. By supporting WASSCE registration for deserving students, we are helping to unlock opportunities that can change the trajectory of young lives,” he said.
He added that the scheme highlights the impact of collaborative efforts in tackling structural barriers to education, particularly among students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Representing the Oyelola family, Dr Pat Oyelola expressed appreciation to the Pyrates Confraternity for initiating what he described as a “fee rescue” educational scheme.
He also pledged additional support to the programme through the donation of educational materials to selected libraries across the country.
As part of the implementation process, NAS chapters across the country worked with school authorities to identify and verify eligible students, as well as guide beneficiaries through the application process.
The Confraternity said this approach ensured transparency, accountability and equitable distribution of support.
The Pyrates Confraternity noted that the memorial scholarship builds on its long-standing tradition of community service and education advocacy, adding that plans are underway to expand the scheme in subsequent editions.
According to the association, future phases of NOMS will focus on increasing the number of beneficiaries, expanding geographical coverage and strengthening partnerships with schools and education stakeholders nationwide.
By easing the financial burden associated with WASSCE registration, the Confraternity said the scheme is contributing to improved access to education and empowering young Nigerians to pursue further academic and career opportunities.
