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Tag: Maritime University

  • Student group seeks end to overseas training for maritime workers, improved infrastructure at NMU

    Student group seeks end to overseas training for maritime workers, improved infrastructure at NMU

    The National Association of Nigerian Maritime Students (NANMS) has demanded an end to overseas training for staff and improved infrastructure at the Nigeria Maritime University (NMU).

    In a peaceful protest at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) headquarters in Victoria Island, Lagos, the maritime students alleged that the university was being neglected and that the maritime traineeship programs being sent abroad should be redirected to NMU.

    The students demanded that NIMASA release the training floating dock to NMU, which they believe will provide the practical training infrastructure their curriculum demands.

    They also called for sea-time training opportunities for students across all maritime institutions in Nigeria, the implementation of a national cadetship program that is inclusive, transparent, and merit-based, and creation of employment pathways for maritime graduates.

    Oniel Abraham and Cletus Douglas, in separate address on behalf of the association, emphasised the current state of NMU is unacceptable and the government must take immediate action to address the challenges facing the institution.

    They believe that the university has the potential to produce world-class maritime professionals, but this can only be achieved if the government invests in the necessary infrastructure and training facilities.

    “We are not asking for the moon, we are asking for the basic facilities that will enable us to acquire the skills and knowledge required to excel in the maritime industry,” Abraham said. 

    “The government must prioritise the development of NMU and provide the necessary support to ensure that our institution becomes a center of excellence for maritime education in Africa.

    “The future of Nigeria’s maritime industry depends on the quality of training that our students receive. If we don’t invest in our institutions and provide our students with the necessary skills and knowledge, we will be compromising the future of our industry.”

    Douglas added: “We urge the government to take immediate action to address our demands. The government must take immediate action to address the challenges facing NMU and the maritime industry as a whole. 

    “The ball is in their court. We hope that they will take our demands seriously and take immediate action to address the challenges facing NMU and the maritime industry. We are willing to work with the government to find solutions to these challenges.”

  • NMU Governing Council applauds Tinubu for signing Maritime University Bill into law

    NMU Governing Council applauds Tinubu for signing Maritime University Bill into law

    The Nigeria Maritime University (NMU) Governing Council has expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the long-awaited Nigeria Maritime University establishment bill into law.

    During the 21st regular council meeting in Warri on Tuesday, 25th February 2025, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Council, Abdullahi Nedanda Bardi, praised the President for this significant step.  

    “This demonstrates the President’s commitment to the development of our university,” he stated.

    Bardi expressed gratitude to key stakeholders, Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo and Chief Engineer Matthew Tonlagha, for their invaluable contributions towards the realization of this milestone.

    Read Also: QNET urges reskilling to bridge job gaps

    He highlighted that their unwavering support over the years played a vital role in the successful signing of the bill. Bardi acknowledged the unmatched enthusiasm and dedication exhibited by these individuals, stating that their efforts were truly exceptional.

    While acknowledging the pivotal role of stakeholders in the university’s progress, Bardi urged for continued support and prayers for their unwavering commitment. 

    The Council looks forward to the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders in ensuring the success and growth of the Nigeria Maritime University.

  • Maritime University Act will deepen peace in Niger Delta, says Ex-IYC boss

    Maritime University Act will deepen peace in Niger Delta, says Ex-IYC boss

    A former president of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide, Udengs Eradiri, has described the newly signed Maritime University Act by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as strategic in deepening the peace in the Niger Delta region.

    Eradiri, a former Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in Bayelsa State, said President Tinubu by the singular act had demonstrated that he meant well for the country and called on all stakeholders in the region to support him.

    Eradiri in a Thank-You letter to Mr. President recalled that he fought for the establishment and recognition of the university when he led the IYC and remembered that the agitation for the institution intensified the conflict in the region and drove oil production as low as 600,000 barrels per day.

    The former Commissioner for Youths and later Environment in Bayelsa also recalled that it took former Vice-President Yemi Osibajo to douse the tension by approving the take-off of the institution as an acting president.

    Eradiri lamented that since its take off the Maritime University could not operate properly because it lacked the instrumentality of law to carry out its academic mandate.

    But he rejoiced that with the new Maritime University Act made possible by President Tinubu, the institution would henceforth effectively discharge its roles in the development of the region.

    He said: “It is historic to hear that the President has signed the Act. I want to thank the President. The take-off of the institution was one of the hallmarks of my achievements when I was the President of IYC.

    I believe that this gesture by Mr. President will further cement the peace that we are enjoying and increase oil production in the region. It will serve as a morale booster for Niger Delta stakeholders to work for and support the President and ensure his programmes succeed because truly he means well for the Niger Delta.

    “People should support President Tinubu because gradually Nigerians will begin to enjoy the benefits of having the President, who understands the issues of our country. The President’s actions every day demonstrate that he is prepared for leadership”.

    Eradiri also commended the Founder of the Tantita Security Services and former freedom fighter, Government Ekpemupolo aka Tompolo for his visionary leadership in the Niger Delta.

    He said: “This young man has been very strategic in changing the equation in the region. He believes in education and he has supported educational institutions, young people and scholarships.

    “This has shown that Tompolo is God sent to solve the Ijaw man’s problems. The peace that we are enjoying in the Niger Delta today is as a result of the job that Tantita is doing in the region.

    “Every creek all the young boys hitherto fomenting troubles are all engaged by Tompolo. Today there is peace and the oil production is increasing. I want to thank Mr. President for believing in him.

    “I thank tompolo for the support, the understanding and the magnanimity he has shown in dealing with issues of sustainable development in the Niger Delta”.

  • Tompolo hails Tinubu for signing Maritime University Act

    Tompolo hails Tinubu for signing Maritime University Act

    The Chairman, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), High Chief (Dr) Government Ekpemupolo popularly known as Tompolo has hailed President Bola Tinubu for signing the Act establishing the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko in Warri Southwest Local Government Area of Delta State.

    Tompolo, the Ibe-Ebidouwei of Ijaw Nation, also commended the principal officers of the National Assembly – the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Senator Godswill Akpabio and Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, as well as lawmakers from the south-south geopolitical zone for their roles in ensuring the “smooth passage” of the bill establishing the Act.

    In separate open letters to the President and the NASS, the former Niger Delta freedom fighter expressed gratitude for the signing which he termed “historic,” noting that it has given legal backing to the operations of the varsity.

    Addressing the President, Tompolo said: “Your signing of the 2025 Act has given full legal backing to the institution. The Nigeria Maritime University, established in 2014, had been struggling to reach its full potential due to the absence of an enabling Act. But with your courageous decision, the university can now thrive, providing the necessary legal framework for its operations.

    Read Also: Stop lies against Tompolo, Niger Delta group warns

    “Your visionary leadership has bridged the gap in maritime education in West Africa, where Ghana was previously the only country with a Maritime University. Nigeria is now poised to improve its capacity and manpower in the maritime sector, bringing development to the oil and gas communities in the Niger Delta and curbing youth restiveness in the region.

    “Once again, we express our sincere appreciation for this landmark achievement. Your leadership has rekindled enthusiasm amongst Niger Deltans, and we are confident that your government will continue to prioritize the development of the Niger Delta”, he added.

    Tompolo also conveyed the heartfelt gratitude of His Majesty Pere Oboro-Gbaraun II, Aketekpe Agadagba, and the people of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, for the development.

    The Nigeria Maritime University Okerenkoko was established in 2014 and has struggled with reaching its potential due to poor funding and infrastructure.

  • Presidency: First set of Maritime University students to resume in April

    Presidency: First set of Maritime University students to resume in April

    •Says shipment for two modular refineries ready for installation in Delta, Rivers
    •NDDC completes 372 projects in 2017, sets up Job Placement Centres to engage 200,000 youths in Niger Delta

    The waiting is over for the formal take off of the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State.

    The institution is scheduled to commence the admission of its pioneer students for the 2017/2018 academic year next month and lectures  will start immediately.

    The Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to Vice President, Laolu Akande, confirmed the development last night.

    He said the decisions were taken by the Niger Delta Inter-Ministerial Committee at a meeting on Friday.

    The meeting which was chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo evaluated progress on the implementation of the Buhari administration’s New Vision for Niger Delta.

    It also received reports on ongoing development projects being implemented in the region.

    The Maritime University will take off with 196 students although 76 applications are pending.

    Akande recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari had approved an increase in the take-off grant allocated to the university from the N2bn earlier announced to N5bn.

    This sum was included in the 2018 budget presented to the National Assembly in November 2017.

    “Similarly, an additional N1B was approved by the President to support essential infrastructure works and staff recruitment in the University in November 2017,” he said, adding: “The Delta State government has also donated two 500KVA generators to the University.

    “The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) had listed the University in its Central Admissions Processing System in January 24, 2018, while interviews for academic staff positions were conducted between 1st and 2nd of March, 2018.

    “The NUC had approved that academic activities commence in three faculties namely; Transport, Engineering and Environmental Management, with a combined total of 13 departments with various specializations – from Marine Engineering, Marine Economics to Climate Change, Fisheries and Aquaculture.”

    Akande said the meeting was also briefed on the progress of the modular refineries.

    “One set of modular refinery package shipment has since arrived Nigeria, and after undergoing clearance at customs, would be installed in Delta State; while another set, which is expected to arrive the country in April this year, would be installed in Rivers State.

    “The operation of the modular refineries would include the involvement of communities where they are located. Prof. Osinbajo said this would ensure that communities benefit directly from the refineries which would help create jobs and engage youths in the region.”

    The Inter-Ministerial Committee, last December, received a report that 38 licensed privately financed green field and mini-modular refineries investors have so far indicated interests in the establishment of refineries in the region, with at least ten (10) of the licensed refineries investors at an advanced stage of development.

    The NDDC in its report at the meeting said it completed a total of 372 projects covering roads, bridges, electricity, water, amongst others in the Niger Delta last year.

    The development projects include the 25.7 km Nembe-Ogbia road, which will  be commissioned soon; the construction of Otueke Internal roads in Ogbia LGA, Bayelsa State; Kira Dere Mogho road and Bridge in Gokana LGA, Rivers State.

    Also on the list are :the  construction of Iselu-Okaigben-Idung-Boko- Onicha Ugbo road, in Edo State; the Orie Ukwu Amaoji market road, Isiala Ngwa North LGA, Abia State and the Ashikem-Ufono-Betwaswan road in Obudu, Cross River State.

    The rest are: Iselu-Okaigben-Idung-Boko- Onicha Ugbo road, in Edo State; the Orie Ukwu Amaoji market road, Isiala Ngwa North LGA, Abia State and the Ashikem-Ufono-Betwaswan road in Obudu, Cross River State.

    The Commission is also working with all related parties, including AMCON, to ensure the establishment of Amakpe modular refinery in Eket, Akwa Ibom State.

    The refinery has a capacity of producing 6,000 barrels per day.

    Akande said the NDDC has also established Job Placement centres which is expected to engage about 208,000 youths in the Niger Delta with a view to reducing unemployment and youth restiveness in the region.

    On the progress of Ogoni clean-up, he said the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) under the Ministry of Environment, is set to commence the procurement process for contracting experts for the remediation and clean-up of impacted sites. This process is open to competent national and international companies involved in environment, water and livelihood projects.

     

     

  • Itsekiri students call for speedy takeoff of maritime varsity

    Itsekiri students call for speedy takeoff of maritime varsity

    Students of Itsekiri extraction in Delta state have appealed to the Federal Government to urgently address issues delaying the takeoff of the Nigerian Maritime University in Okerenkoko, Warri Southwest local government area of the state.

    The students, under the auspices of National Association of Itsekiri Students, described as unnecessary the controversy generated by the naming of the university’s site.

    NAIS, in a statement signed by Esimaje Richard Ejueyitsi and Iwerebor Oritsegbami Jeffrey, President and PRO respectively, urged the “Federal Government and the National Assembly to do with utmost urgency, what is necessary for the institution to kick-off.

    “We also join forces with advocacy groups and all stakeholders that have remain unrepentant in a bid to ensure the correct name of the institution should be Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenghigho, and not Okerenkoko, that is unknown to law.

    “It would be erroneous, in a lawful nation, as the case of our dear country Nigeria, to name an institution after legal tenants of a locality, instead of its legal owners that is the Itsekiri people of Omadino (Okerenghigho),” the statement added.

    They commended the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr Abubakar Malami (SAN), for his memo to the National Assembly, which drew attention to the misnomer and sought the correction.

  • Maritime University: 304 ex-agitators apply for jobs – Boroh

    Maritime University: 304 ex-agitators apply for jobs – Boroh

    The Coordinator, Presidential Amnesty Programme ( PAP ), Brig.-Gen. Paul Boroh, said on Thursday that 304 amnesty beneficiaries had applied for job at the Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State.

    Boroh, who is also the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Matters, disclosed this in an interview in Abuja.

    The Coordinator said the University had commenced operations and placed advertisements for those interested in working with the institution as academic staff.

    He said that President Muhammadu Buhari had approved increase in the of take-off grant for the University from the earlier  N2 billion announced to N5 billion.

    He said the grant had already been included in the 2018 budget, under the Federal Ministry of Education allocation, presented to the National Assembly.

    Boroh described the recent upward review of the earlier budgetary allocation from N2 billion to 5 billion in the 2018 budget for the new university, as a show of commitment on the part of the President towards sustainable peace, stability and development in the region.

    He assured that the University would  create massive employment opportunities for youths in the region, adding that so many youths have been trained in different disciplines and vocations.

    Many of them were trained in marine engineering, maritime studies, seamanship, shipping, marine transport related studies, diving, underwater welding, automobile engineering, aviation, tourism and hospitality, agriculture, particularly in aquaculture.

    The Special Adviser said the youths can fill the manpower gap in the maritime sector, using the maritime university as the channel.

    Boroh added that the maritime university would continue to provide the platform for many other economic activities and development that would shape the geo-political and socio-economic dynamics in the region.

    He said the University is now hiring professors, readers, senior lecturers, lecturers, assistant lecturers and graduate assistants to teach in the faculties of Science, Maritime Transportation, Maritime Engineering & Technology, Maritime Environmental Management and General Studies.

    “It is important to see unemployed graduates thinking about how to take control of their career development on a daily basis by developing  their skills, values and interests as this will be helpful to them throughout their working life,”.

    The Coordinator , however, urged youths in the region not to give up on their dreams.

    “With high competition for graduate jobs in Nigeria , it’s easy to feel discouraged when looking for a job.

    “You don’t have to give up on your dream job,”  he said.

    He lauded the President for his commitment to the smooth take-off of the University and release of grant.

    He, however, assured that the federal government would sustained the establishment for good.

    The Presidential aide stressed the importance of giving support to the planned development of this administration for the ultimate purpose of improving the wellbeing of Nigerians.

    “Nigerians should know that the president is human and needs the sincere prayers of all well-meaning Nigerians to move the nation forward,” he said.

    NAN

  • Maritime varsity takes off in Delta

    Maritime varsity takes off in Delta

    Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State, has now commenced operations, inviting job applications for academic staff, just as President Muhammadu Buhari has approved a significant increase of the take-off grant from N2B earlier announced to N5B.

    A statement by the Minister of Niger Delta Pastor Usani Uguru Usani revealed  that grant has been included in the 2018 budget presented to the National Assembly earlier this week, under the Federal Ministry of Education allocation, superseding the previous provision of N2B for the university.

    The presidential approval for the N5B budget allocation was based on the recommendation of a committee in the Ministry of Education tasked with the activation of the university.

    Besides, President Muhammadu Buhari has also approved an immediate release of N1B to the university to support essential infrastructure works and staff recruitment. This release is separate from the N5B allocated in the 2018 budget submitted to the National Assembly.

    Recently, the Maritime University authorities have commenced the process of hiring staff with advert placements published in the Punch, Vanguard, and Sun newspapers, blogs and other online outlets.

    In the published academic staff vacancies, the Maritime University is now hiring professors, readers, senior lecturers, lecturers, assistant lecturers and graduate assistants to teach in the faculties of Science, Maritime Transportation, Maritime Engineering & Technology, Maritime Environmental Management and General Studies.

    It would be recalled that under the New Vision for the Niger Delta, which followed the President’s meeting with PANDEF leaders last November, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, was delegated to undertake a tour of the oil producing communities and the issue of the take-off of the Maritime University was one of the major requests tabled before the federal government

  • Maritime varsity takes off in October – Okowa

    Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, said in Abuja on Friday that the Maritime University would commence academic activities in Okerenkoko in October.

    The governor disclosed this to State House correspondents after a closed door meeting with Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo in the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    According to him, a committee headed by the Minister of Education in which Delta State Deputy Governor is a member has been inaugurated to ensure the smooth take-off of the university.

    He said, “We are also aware that a committee has been set up led by the Minister of Education; my deputy is part of the committee to work out the processes to enable the maritime university take off in October.

    “It is a step in the right direction. So, I came to appreciate the vice president and to discuss some other issues with him.

    Okowa commended Osinbajo, whom he said had ensured peace in Delta in particular.

    “If you notice, in the past few months, there has been peace in Delta State. So, I wanted to appreciate his visit to Delta State because that definitely helped us in the peace process.

    “And just yesterday (Thursday), the Bill for the Maritime University, Okerenkoko, passed third reading at the Senate. That is definitely a very strong plus for us,” the governor added.

    NAN

     

  • Hope for Maritime University douses tension in Niger Delta

    A public hearing on a bill to legally establish the controversial Maritime University, Okerenkoko in Delta State, organised by the House of Representatives, has restored hope that the institution will soon begin operation.

    The hearing, which was held a few days after the Vice-President Yemi Osibanjo visited Delta State and toured facilities in the Kurutie temporary site of the university, was said to have calmed frayed nerves in the region.

    Following the actions, most leaders and groups from the region were said to be happy that the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government was determined to sincerely resolve issues that led to the renewed violent agitations in the Niger Delta.

    Ijaw youths, who were represented at the public hearing, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his disposition towards reviving the university and steps he had so far taken to resolve the crisis in the region.

    The President of Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, Mr. Udengs Eradiri, who attended the public hearing alongside the IYC’s Spokesman, Mr. Eric Omare, said with the outcome of the event, the university would soon begin operation.

    Speaking to The Nation in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Eradiri said  the representatives of the National University Commission (NUC), the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and others made a serious case for the university.

    The IYC boss said the suspended administrative bodies of the maritime university comprising the Governing Council, the Vice-Chancellor and the Registrar also attended the public hearing.

    According to him coming after the visit of Osibanjo to the region, the public hearing has strengthened the confidence-building process of the government.

    He said: “We thank the President Muhammadu Buhari for his body language because the APC stalwarts are the ones pushing and there was no opposition at the public hearing. Institutions from the executive also came and didn’t object to it.

    “So, we are thanking the government for its commitment to the establishment of the university. After the vice-President visited, the process of confidence-building had been strengthened by the public hearing”.

    He also said that the representatives from Itsekiri extraction, though did not oppose the establishment of the university, demanded that the government should pay them compensation for the land.

    Eradiri, however, advised the Itsekiri to allow the overall benefits of the university overshadow their demands for compensation.