The National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) has launched the first edition of the Nathaniel Oyelola Memorial Scholarship Scheme (NOMS), an educational support initiative aimed at assisting indigent secondary school students with the cost of registering for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
The Scheme, named in honour of Engineer Nathaniel Oyelola, one of the seven founding members of the Pyrates Confraternity, is designed to remove financial barriers that prevent academically promising students from completing secondary education and progressing to higher learning.
In its maiden edition, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by the NAS Capn, Dr Joseph Oteri, NOMS recorded a nationwide reach, with 34 public secondary schools nominated across 12 states of the federation.
The states include Oyo, Imo, Benue, Nasarawa, Ogun, Cross River, Anambra, Abia, Kaduna, Enugu, Ebonyi and the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja).
Through the selected schools, 227 students were supported under the Community-Led Stream, while an additional eight students benefited through the Direct Application Stream, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 235.
The dual-application structure was designed to ensure inclusivity, combining community-based identification of deserving candidates with open access for individual applicants.
Speaking on the launch, NAS Cap’n, Dr Joseph Oteri, described the initiative as both a tribute to a founding member and a reaffirmation of the organisation’s core values.
“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,” Oteri said.
He further noted that the Scheme demonstrates the effectiveness of collaborative efforts in addressing structural barriers to education, particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Representing the family, Dr Pat Oyelola, conveyed appreciation to the Association for initiating the “fee rescue” educational scheme and committed to providing additional support through the donation of educational materials to selected libraries.
As part of the implementation process, NAS chapters across the country, worked closely with school authorities to identify and verify eligible candidates, while also guiding beneficiaries through the application process.
The Confraternity said this approach ensured transparency, accountability and equitable distribution of support.
The Pyrates Confraternity noted that NOMS builds on its long-standing tradition of community service and educational advocacy and pledged to expand the Scheme in subsequent editions.
According to the organisation, future phases of the programme will focus on increasing the number of beneficiaries, widening geographic coverage and strengthening partnerships with schools and education stakeholders nationwide.
By easing the financial burden of WASSCE registration, the Confraternity said NOMS is contributing to improved access to education and empowering young Nigerians to pursue higher academic and career opportunities.
E-Signed
Dr Joseph Oteri
Cap’n, National Association of Seadogs
Abuja
January 27, 2026