By Capital Watch Media
The Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, in Delta State, is on track to fulfill its mandate of unlocking the hidden opportunities in the blue economy for Nigeria’s youth, according to the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the University’s Governing Council, Mr. Abdullahi Bardi.
He stated, “The Federal Government is committed to the full take-off of the institution to provide Nigerian youths with proper training in the maritime sector and harness the inherent potentials of the blue economy.”
While leading the University’s council members and management team on an inspection tour of the institution’s permanent and temporary sites on Friday, the Pro-Chancellor noted that “students are being trained to survive on the high seas, whether on a big ship or a boat.”
“Some of the students are being trained as engineers, some as maritime administrators, and others as fishery and aquatic engineers. It is very important now that we are emphasising the blue economy. There are no limits for young men to acquire this training, as it is one of the best professions in the world, and they are sought after not only in Nigeria but in Asia and other parts of the world.”
However, the Pro-Chancellor expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of construction at the permanent site, which has delayed the commencement of some programmes designed to train Nigerians in the maritime sector.
He urged the contractors, who had already been mobilised, to “return to the site within three months or face consequences.”
He warned that failure to comply would force the University management to report the contractors to the relevant investigative authorities.
“I assure you that we will contact the necessary authorities to ensure contractors are back to work or face legal action,” he reiterated.
The Pro-Chancellor continued, “Everybody is a stakeholder. Every Nigerian would want to see this University succeed, as it is one of the best projects of the Federal Government and an institution where our young people can learn and become professionals in the maritime sector.”
“Nigeria is a large country with a huge population. We have more than fifty to sixty Federal Universities, with many more coming on board, leading to increasing competition. So, everyone concerned here should return to the site and help make this university work.”
“Anyone involved in this project’s delay should resume work within the next three months. If we find that, say, 30% of the payment has been made to someone and their work on the ground is less than 30%, I’m sorry, we will forward that name to the necessary authorities for action.”
“I assure you that we will contact the necessary authorities to ensure contractors are back to work, or they will face legal consequences.”
“What this means is that we need to engage everyone involved, including the government, the community, the management, staff, and even council members. We must work together to get things done. The first step is to contact all those involved, identify the problems, discuss them, and find a common solution.”
Speaking earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the Maritime University, Prof Emmanuel Adigio, said, “The management is waiting for the contractors to complete work at the permanent site so we can begin relocating some faculties and start other new programmes.”
