I REMEMBER MY PRIMARY THREE.

I still have memories of my early primary school days. I still know the first building that was used as the school during my primary school days. The Lotus Nursery and Primary School used that building up to the time I finished my primary three and switched to its own building when I was to go to primary four. I still know the part of the building that was used as primary one, two and of course the memorable primary three. The memories of my nursery days are very faint as if I was unconscious or asleep during those times, or did I even go to nursery classes at all?

Way back in the class of primary three, one interesting afternoon; I was in class as usual and someone was to write the names of noise makers. My name was written. When the teacher came to call out the names of noise makers to be disciplined, lo and behold, innocent me was called out. My protest fell on deaf ears as we were ordered to pick needle.

The ‘pick needle” punishment involves the offender bending over to touch the ground with the tip of his index finger while one of his legs is raised above the ground. There you will remain till your body shakes and you get a lash of the cane if your raised leg dare touch the ground. Yes! This was one of the common punishments of those days. The other punishment called “ride okada or ride a car” is a story for another day.

So, your dear Adejoh was picking a needle when he ran out of patience especially as he deeply believed that his name was written out of error, hate or grudge. So, he left the punishment, went straight to his seat, took his books and bag and headed home in a fit of rage. Why there was no teacher to stop me was either a wonder or a luck because I do not remember any teacher seeing or telling me nothing as I found my way home.

Now, my family house was built like this: coming home from the road, you will meet my grandfather’s compound with about three blocks of buildings. When you pass through this compound, you will get to the other side where my father’s buildings are. This arrangements are all in a fence with two gates – the first gate is to my grandfather’s compound and the other one behind belong to my father. So, I was fortunate enough to pass through my late grandfather’s compound before reaching home. My grandma was home and called out to me to find out why I was home before the normal closing hour. My late grandfather heard this and came out. He asked me and upon my telling him that I was wrongly punished, he put on his robe and led me back to school. As we left for the school, I could hear my grandma announcing my luck for not making it home to meet my mom. I for hear am that day.

On getting back to school, we met the headmaster who is the current headmaster oh. My late grandfather went straight to him and discussed with him. The last thing I heard from my grandfather was a conclusion that my punishment must be given to me. The next thing I heard was a military order from the famous headmaster: “NOW RAISE YOUR LEG AND HOLD IT!!”

I raised my left leg and held it from below the knee joint. My knee was raised and I remain in that position. When my grandparent saw that I had complied, he turned and headed home. There I was till the school bell rang which saw me released from the punishment. Thankfully, I was not there for long.

I was allowed to go home with the rest of my siblings and friends. When we got home, my stars were shinning in full strength as no one mentioned the incident to my mother. My mother was then a school teacher and amidst her much appreciated leniency, she would not hesitate to knock out any spirit of insubordination out of us.

Lotus Nursery and Primary School my Alma mater, I hail thee. Thank you for everything.

With love and gratitude, Sadiq Yusuf.