COMMAND SECONDARY SCHOOL, IPAJA, LAGOS.

THE BEGINNING
Command Secondary School Lagos (CSSL), was established on the 29th September 1977 along with three other pioneer Command schools based in Kaduna, Ibadan and Jos. It took off at the modest temporary site in Bonny Camp, Victoria Island, Lagos where the American International School had vacated. The aim of establishing the school was to execute the AHQ mission of providing qualitative education to children/wards of NA personnel in particular and other members of the Armed Forces and civilian counterparts. CSSL started with a population of 72 students, made up of 45 boys and 27 girls and a staff strength of 5 teaching and 5 non-teaching personnel.

In 1979, the school was relocated to its present permanent site at Ipaja to make room for the increase in students’ population. This was quite a challenge for all stakeholders as they all had to pass through many vicissitudes to ensure an enabling academic environment for the pursuit of academic excellence. In spite of all the hurdles the school has faced since inception, it has gallantly carved a niche for itself among its contemporaries. The school has had 2 pioneer Principals (civilians) and 15 Commandants from inception to date. It has grown in terms of students’ population, staffing, academic excellence and infrastructural development. Under the aegis of the Nigerian Army Education Corps (NAEC), the school has continued to make great strides to maintain its enviable position in its academic pursuits. Not too long ago, the school benefitted from the AHQ under Lieutenant General T. Y. Buratai NAM GSS psc (+) NDC (BD), BA (Hons), MA, MPhil. Amongst the projects carried out were the complete renovation of the Computer Lab/Typing pool complex, renovation of a block of four classrooms complex, construction of 4-compartment toilets for junior boys in the classroom area, renovation of 40 sitting capacity staff room, complete renovation and upgrading of technical workshop complex, renovation of outdoor toilets and bathrooms in the boys’ hostel with complementing borehole, renovation of girls’ hostel and renovation of 2 blocks of outdoor toilets in the girls’ hostel.

 

THE PHILOSOPHY BEHIND FOUNDING CSSL
The idea to set up Command Secondary Schools, fashioned after the Federal Government Colleges (Unity Colleges), was conceived by the Nigerian Army as far back as 1972. These schools were to be fully boarding and co-educational in order that children and wards of Military personnel would continue their education even if their parents were on posting. The schools were sited, one each at the Divisional Headquarters of the existing divisions of the Nigerian Army. Thus, Lagos the Headquarters of the 81 Division, has four Command schools of which CSSL is one.

 

THE SCHOOL MOTTO
“Discipline and Knowledge”

 

MISSION STATEMENT
To inculcate in the students all round development (Total Man Concept i.e. academically, spiritually and socially) through love and selfless service. To instil discipline and encourage uncompromised leadership by example that would discourage ethics disharmony and maintain the status of the pacesetter.

 

THE SCHOOL ANTHEMS
The first school anthem was composed by the first Music Teacher, Mr Doe Williams in 1980. 
1. Friends and comrades arise
    Raise the banner high
    Let us work together
    All in unity.

Refrain
    We shall fight and fight and fight and fight
    Until victory is won for us
    Our school shall always be the first amongst the best.

2. My dear alma mater
    Source of rich knowledge
    Your name shall we lift high throughout Nigeria

3. God of all creation
    To thee we now pray
    Bless our little efforts
    Make our future bright.

 

The second was composed by the first Commandant, Col. L. I. Lawal in the year 1984.

1. Command Secondary School students
    Together we shall win, together
    Commandant, staff and students
    Together we shall win, together
    Remember we are one in God,
    Together we shall win, together.

2. Proprietor, parents and well-wishers
    Together we shall win, together
    No matter the language you speak,
    Together we shall win, together,
    Together we shall solve our problems,
    No matter your status in life,
    Together we shall win, together.

 

 

While the third and last one was composed by a student, Miss Adediran Rachel Oluwapelumi (2011 set).

Command Secondary School, Lagos
Beloved Institution
Though different tribes are gathered here
In unity we stand
To maintain our motto
Discipline and Knowledge

Commandant, staff and students
Of this institution
Together we are all standing
To build our great nation
In God we trust and put our hope
This nation shall be great