| National Association of Seadogs | |
|---|---|
| NAS | |
| | |
| Founded | October 1952 University College, Ibadan |
| Type | Nigerian Confraternity |
| Affiliation | Independent |
| Status | Active |
| Scope | International |
| Motto | "Against all moribund conventions" |
| Colors | White, Red, and Black |
| Symbol | Skull & Cross Bones |
| Members | 25,000+ lifetime |
| Nickname | Seadogs, Saylors |
| Headquarters | Plot 55, Gado Nasko Road Kubwa, Abuja , Federal Capital Territory Nigeria |
| Website | www |
The National Association of Seadogs, also known as Pyrates Confraternity, is a confraternity organization in Nigeria. [1] The group was founded by seven undergraduate students of the University of Ibadan in 1952 to support human rights and social justice in Nigeria. [1]
Due to the increase of tribalism among social life of students and the increasing population of "wealthy" students to a relatively few "poorer" students in the University College, Ibadan, the National Association of Seadogs was formed as a body in order to combat these societal ills. [2] It was founded in 1952 by seven friends who adopted the name "Magnificent 7 or The Original 7". [3] [4] They are:
The Pyrates Confraternity went on to become the only confraternity on Nigerian campuses for almost twenty years. [5] Membership into the confraternity was open to students who were bright academically regardless of their tribe or religion. [6] To date, over 25,000 people have belonged to the organization at various stages. [7]
The Pyrates Confraternity was registered with the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs under the Land (Perpetual Succession) Act Cap 98 with the name "The National Association of Seadogs". [8] Its headquarters are at Plot 55, Gado Nasko Road in Kubwa, Abuja, FCT, Nigeria. [9]
The Pyrates logo is the Skull and Bones in red, black, and yellow. [10] Members are known as Seadogs and Saylors. [11] Its motto is "Against all moribund conventions". The organization has several sayings used as a sign of respect or greeting, including "Odas is Odas" ("Orders is Orders"), "No Friend No Foe", and "Absolutely No Lagging". [11] [10] Members are known as Seadogs and Saylors. [11]
Pyrates has branches throughout Nigeria and in Australia, Canada, Japan, Netherlands, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States. [8] [12]
Some sinister confraternities have been formed to copy the Pyrates confraternity which led the Pyrates confraternity to dissociate itself from these organizations and also operate outside university campuses. [14] The confraternity is also seen as a "political opponent" after several members in Port Harcourt were detained in jail for participating in the disruption of election campaigns in 1997.