N

ational Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) was founded in 1952 at the University of Ibadan, by seven similar-minded undergraduates:

1. Wole Soyinka

2. Ralph Opara

3. Pius Oleghe

4. Ikpehare Aig-Imoukhuede

5. Nathaniel Oyelola

6. Olumuyiwa Awe

7. Sylvanus U. Egbuche

At the time the Pyrates Confraternity was founded in 1952, the University of Ibadan (then called University College) was the principal institution of higher learning in Nigeria. Correspondingly, it was a near exclusive preserve of children from wealthy backgrounds. In the negative perspective, the result of this middle and upper class catchment area produced numerous students bred on the cankerworm of class privilege and indifference to the social problems of the country. The handful of students from poor backgrounds whose entry into the institution was only procured by virtue of their individual excellence, tried to stick doggedly to their academic work, in anticipation of the prize of scholarship which would compensate for the indignities they experienced at the time. Sadly, many were distracted by if not converted to adopting the attitude of their aristocratic peers, such that they strove assiduously to acquire, both in appearance and outlook, those unpleasant habits. This was a reflection of the depths of decadence prevalent in the wider society in Nigeria.

It is also to be remembered that the 1950s almost marked the pinnacle of the nationalist movement which was, regrettably, characterized by the ingratiation of three of the worst forms of discriminatory practices currently crippling Nigeria – Corruption; elitism and tribalism. Political aspirations in the wider society were riddled by these practices, which, not surprisingly, were very prominent within the university environment. The Students’ Representative Council that was the gateway to political power within the campus reflected exactly what was happening in the wider society.