FEC approves Nigeria’s first maritime university to grow capacity

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has given an approval to the Nigeria Maritime University (NMU) to commence academic activities. The university is an initiative of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

The institution, which received FEC approval at its meeting in Abuja last week as announced by Patricia Akwashiki, minister of information, is the first fully fledged maritime university in West Africa.

With its permanent site in Okerenkoko, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, the university is expected to run courses in Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, Nautical Science, Transport Technology, and other maritime related professional areas at degree and sub-degree level.

Speaking on the approval, Ziakede Patrick Akpobolokemi, director-general of NIMASA, said the formal approval of licence will signify a major milestone in the agency’s capacity building initiatives as it will guarantee sustainable training of qualified manpower for the maritime industry at international standard.

Following the licence issued by the Federal Government, the university is now set to commence academic activities at its fully developed temporary site in Kurutie, also in Warri-South West Local Government Area.

According to a statement signed by Isichei Osamgbi, deputy director/head, public relations, the approval is coming a year after the groundbreaking ceremony of the institution as well as the NIMASA Shipyard and Dockyard in Okerenkoko was conducted by President Goodluck Jonathan.

The NIMASA management, led by Akpobolokemi, has remained committed and focused in building human capacity for the Nigerian maritime sector through strengthening the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP), a scholarship programme designed to train young Nigerians in various maritime professions at degree level, it further states.

NSDP has over 2,500 beneficiaries in academic institutions in Egypt, India, Philippines, Romania and the United Kingdom; a number of whom have since graduated.

The administration has also established Institutes of Maritime Studies in six Nigerian universities, including University of Lagos, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State, Niger Delta University Amasoma, Bayelsa State, Anambra State University Uli and Federal University Kashere, Gombe State.