By Sunday Apah
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed admiration for the academic advancements at the Nigeria Maritime University (NMU) and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting its infrastructure and research development. He urged graduates to apply their knowledge to enhance Nigeria’s maritime sector.
During the 2nd Convocation ceremony held over the weekend in Okerenkoko, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, Tinubu’s address was delivered by Prof. Edoba Omoregie, Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin. In his remarks, the President commended NMU’s dedication to fostering principles that promote sustainable peace and stability in the region.
Tinubu encouraged the graduating class to embody values such as excellence, integrity, and service, emphasizing the importance of their contributions to national development within the maritime industry and beyond, thereby enhancing the country’s revenue-generating capacity.
In his opening address, NMU Vice Chancellor Prof. (Engr.) Emmanuel Adigio praised President Tinubu for signing the bill that established the university into law, highlighting this act as a testament to his patriotism and commitment to national educational and technological advancement.
He assured that the university would strive to meet the expectations set by the President and would continue to produce well-trained middle and high-level professionals who will introduce innovative concepts to make the maritime sector viable for sustainable national growth.
Prof. Adigio stated, “I want to take this moment to inform you that Nigeria Maritime University has reached a significant milestone. With the recent legal establishment of the university by President Tinubu, we are poised for greater achievements.”
He noted that in the coming years, the institution plans to expand its offerings to maximize the potential of the marine and blue economy. “We are exceedingly grateful to the President for his focus on Nigeria Maritime University,” he added.
The university aims to be the leading maritime institution for those aspiring to careers in the maritime field, contributing to job creation and wealth in the global maritime economy. This sets NMU apart from other tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
He acknowledged the positive impact of the university’s establishment on reducing youth restiveness and incidents of pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta, the nation’s oil and gas exploration hub, thereby contributing to economic stability.
Prof. Adigio informed attendees about the university’s academic programs, which began in 2018 with thirteen offerings across three faculties: Engineering, Environmental Management, and Transportation. There is also a Basic Studies Unit, which is expected to evolve into a full-fledged Faculty of Science.
He provided details about the university’s infrastructure, revealing its dual-campus structure, with the main campus in Okerenkoko and the another at Kurutie, which houses the Faculty of Engineering, the School of Basic Studies, and the central administration.
In response to the limitations posed by the Kurutie campus’ capacity to accommodate a growing number of students and staff, the university has collaborated with stakeholders to establish operations in Okerenkoko temporarily.
“Despite the unique challenges presented by our location, we are committed to utilizing our resources efficiently,” he remarked, discussing efforts to improve water supply for both students and the surrounding community.
Prof. Adigio highlighted the university’s recent projects, including a faculty complex built with support from Delta State Government, which further indicates its ongoing commitment to the institution.
Regarding academic program accreditation, he noted that all thirteen programs have received validation from the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Engineering programs have been accredited by the Council for the Registration of Engineers in Nigeria (COREN).
He detailed proactive financial management practices implemented to ensure compliance with best practices in public tertiary institution governance, alongside robust staff development and capacity-building programs to sustain academic excellence.
The Vice Chancellor mentioned enhancing student accommodation, with an increase in bed spaces at both campuses, while calling on government assistance to provide residential facilities for staff retention.
In discussing sports development, he noted that physical activity is crucial for wellbeing and announced that the university has plans to expand its sports facilities. He also celebrated NMU’s participation in national sports events and its performance at the Federation Internationale Sport Universites (FISU) Trials.
Prof. Adigio spoke about partnerships with various organizations, underscoring the importance of collaboration for academic growth and the university’s commitment to quality assurance in education.
He concluded by celebrating the achievements of the 870 graduating students, reflecting a substantial increase in graduates compared to previous sessions, showcasing NMU’s swift advancement.
The Vice Chancellor congratulated all graduates and expressed confidence that their education would empower them to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s development.
