By Richards Adeniyi
The Federal Government has announced that the Maritime University, Okerenkoko in Delta state will commence academic activities in October 2017.
The Federal government has given a go ahead to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), initial promoter of the specialised university, to facilitate the commencement of academic activities this October.
The Director-General of the Agency, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, who disclosed government’s decision, said arrangements are at advanced stage of placing 943 NSDP cadets aboard vessels for requisite sea time training.
The NIMASA boss said revisiting the establishment of the University will sustain efforts of the agency towards building requisite capacity for the nation’s maritime industry.
Speaking at a ceremony to mark the World Maritime Day, he said “government is revisiting the establishment of the Maritime University at Okerenkoko, Delta state and the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has directed that academic activities should start by October this year.
“Also, other institutes for maritime studies in six universities across the country are sustainable efforts by the agency towards building the requisite capacity for the industry.”
Peterside who is also the chairman of Association of African Maritime Administrations (AAMA), said due to the importance of seafarers to world trade and economy, they occupy a pride of place in the agency’s activities.