Brief history of Wole Soyinka Seadogs Pyrates confraternity (NAS)

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The Original Seven, at Tedder Hall Quadrangle, University College Ibadan. From left: Wole Soyinka, 
Ikpehare Aig-Imoukhuede, Sylvanus Egbuche, Pius Oleghe, Nathaniel Oyelola, Muyiwa Awe, Ralph Opara

The Pyrates Confraternity was formed in 1952 by seven undergraduates of the University College, Ibadan in response to the prevailing predisposition, at the time, of notions of class privilege, elitism and indifference to the social realities of the nation, Nigeria, especially by students of middle class upbringing, scions of business tycoons and colonial aristocracy.

It was against this notions and to combat these negative tendencies that these seven students founded the Pyrates Confraternity (PC).

The original founding fathers, otherwise known as the Original Seven, are:

1. Wole Soyinka
2. Ralph Opara
3. Pius Oleghe
4. Ikpehare Aig-Imoukhuede
5. Nathaniel Oyelola
6. Olumuyiwa Awe
7. Sylvanus U. Egbuche

The names that appear beside these great names are their pyratical names, a concept that is at the very root of the accomplishment of organisational objectives. Explained simply, tribalism and nepotism in Nigeria, at the time and now, facilitated by easy identification associated with names from various tribes. To ensure the disappearance of tribal identity as a source of identification, everyone who joins the organization is given a name from which it is impossible to discern either tribal or even national identity. This practice also applied to places where the organization developed a presence.

Evolution of the Pyrates Confraternity

From the pioneering base of University of Ibadan, the philosophies and movement grew and was exported to other institutions of higher learning that were emerging. The attraction to its objectives and accomplishments was such that it was to grow exponentially. By 1978, there were a total of 18 branches with thousands of members having passed through membership. The unique feature was that these members were or had passed through various universities in Nigeria at the time.

On 31 October 1980 the organisation was formally registered with the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs under the Land (Perpetual Succession) Act Cap 98 with the name "National Association of Seadogs” RC No 1592. The variation in the original name was to reflect both the larger national outlook and incorporate an essential ingredient of the concept of seadogs as part of the visible identity.

However, by the early 1970s, unsavory behavior of several imitator organizations began to emerge from the various campuses. Although they claimed to be fraternities, their behavior became so disturbing that, on 28 July 1984, in order to protect its integrity, NAS closed down all in-campus, student branches of the organization. The process of entry into the organization was realigned and streamlined over the years. For the past 15 years, new members, in country, are now derived only from university graduates who have completed national service under the National Youth Service Scheme.

NAS in the 21st Century

Today, NAS has evolved from a campus confraternity to a community focused, advocacy organisation with over 55 branches spread across Nigeria, South Africa, Europe, Asia, America and Canada. In addition to its other activities, it remains dedicated to social advocacy, humanitarian and charitable endeavours within and outside Nigeria or whatever society in which the members find themselves. The organisation has placed at the disposal of the society, its huge professional membership in virtually all areas of professional endeavour. Its membership can be found in various aspects of societal life within and outside Nigeria including the government and the private sector. Its willingness to help society reconstruct and to build is, and remains, an asset which society can and has been freely exploiting.

Source: NAS Website

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