30 Years After: Command Secondary School Ipaja Class of ’95 Reunion | Memories, Impact & Celebration
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Thirty years after graduating from Command Secondary School in Ipaja, the Class of 1995 reunited in Lagos as accomplished professionals rather than students, celebrating a journey defined by enduring memories and unbroken bonds. This reunion served as more than a simple gathering; it was a profound celebration of friendship and the core values instilled during their formative years at the institution. The event highlighted how the school's strict yet nurturing environment prepared them for life beyond the classroom, significantly influencing their career paths and personal successes even decades later.
Attendees shared powerful reflections on the resilience they developed while enduring the rigorous daily routines of their youth, such as waking up early to clean dormitories and navigating challenges under senior supervision. Many expressed deep gratitude for these experiences, noting that the school taught them essential life skills like discipline, structure, and the ability to plan effectively. The nostalgia was palpable as former students revisited familiar landmarks including their old dorms, dining hall, classrooms, and sports fields, recalling both the fun times they shared and the unique incident of being escorted out by soldiers on their final day instead of a traditional prize-giving ceremony.
The evening also featured heartfelt tributes to the teachers who inspired them and sparked important discussions on how the class could give back to their alma mater. Despite the painful aspects of their school days, participants emphasized that these experiences forged their closest friendships and shaped the individuals they are today. As the night concluded with music, laughter, and renewed camaraderie, the group celebrated not only their shared past but also looked forward to a promising future together.
Ultimately, the reunion reinforced the enduring legacy of Command Secondary School for this specific cohort, proving that thirty years have not diminished the school's impact on their lives. For the Class of 1995, the institution remains far more than a distant memory; it is a lifelong influence that continues to shape their identities and relationships. The event successfully bridged the gap between past struggles and present achievements, demonstrating that the spirit forged at Command Secondary School persists strong and vibrant among its alumni.
Read the full video transcript
Now uh 30 years after marching out of
the gates of Kuman secondary school, the
class of 1995 returned not as student
but as accomplished men and women bonded
by memories that time has not erased.
Now over the weekend they reunited in
Lagos to celebrate their journey,
relieve their youthful days and reflect
on how the school shaped the people they
have become. details in this report.
>> It was a night of nostalgia as the
commanders of class 95 reconnected after
decades. The reunion was more than just
a get together. It was a celebration of
friendship and the values instilled in
them during their formative years at
Command Secondary School.
Many shared how the school strict but
nurturing environment prepared them for
life beyond the classroom influencing
their careers and personal success.
I think uh the strongest thing that we
got from command was um resilience.
Resilience to be able to withstand
um the rigor of life at that young age,
you know, waking up at um 500 a.m.
having to clean the domeies,
you know, escaping from punishment from
seniors. The evening also featured
tributes to teachers who inspired them
as well as discussions on ways to give
back to the alma mater.
>> Yeah, I'm grateful I went there even
though it was a painful period. I'm
grateful I went there. I'm well I'm
almost 50 years old, right? All the
friends I have today, the closest
friends in my life there from 30 years
ago in command. So I made my closest
best friends from the experience we had
together
>> walking from the dorm from the dorm to
the dining from the from from the dome
to the dining from the sports field to
space our academic pursuits. It was fun.
We had times where we had fun together
times where we you know we we we we
shared a lot in common. I think all the
aside from all what you gain from going
to a secondary school, I think command
in general actually taught me the
discipline I have in life, taught me the
structure I have in terms of routine,
knowing how to plan cuz
we had a structure, you know.
>> So, we went to the school on Wednesday.
We were able to see our old doies, the
dining hall, our classrooms, you know,
just generally walk around. We made it
very nostalgic for all of us and we
remember the last day that we spent in
school which was a very eventful day
because on that day we were escorted out
on the school premises by the soldiers.
Uh there was this little incident you
know so usually you know we wait and
have our prize giving day and all of
that but that didn't happen this year.
So we always joke about that day.
With laughter, music, and renewed
commencement, the class of 1995 wrapped
up the night, celebrating not just their
past, but also their shed future.
[Applause]
>> 30 years may have passed, but the
command spirit ends. For the class of
95, the school remains not just a
memory, but a lifelong influence.
>> Thank you very much.
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