By Abel Johngold Orheruata
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lauded the academic strides of the Nigeria Maritime University (NMU), reaffirming his administration’s commitment to supporting its infrastructural and research advancement. He also challenged the graduating students to apply their knowledge toward the growth of Nigeria’s maritime industry and national development at large.
Speaking through Prof. Edoba Omoregie (SAN), Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, during NMU’s 2nd Convocation Ceremony held over the weekend in Okerenkoko, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, President Tinubu praised the institution’s role in fostering peace and stability in the Niger Delta region through education.
He urged the graduates to embody excellence, integrity, and service, and to become valuable contributors to the maritime sector and other industries vital to national revenue and growth.
In his welcome address, NMU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Emmanuel Adigio, expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu for signing into law the bill establishing the University. He described it as a landmark act of patriotism and a major step toward enhancing educational and technological advancement in Nigeria.
Prof. Adigio assured that the University will uphold the trust reposed in it by continually producing highly skilled manpower to drive innovation and sustainable development in the maritime industry.
He declared: “The Nigeria Maritime University has come of age. With the legal backing now in place, we are poised for significant expansion in academic programmes aimed at unlocking the vast potentials of the marine and blue economy.”
He acknowledged the University’s growing impact on regional stability, noting that youth restiveness and pipeline vandalism have significantly declined, contributing to improved security of oil and gas assets.
Academic Structure and Expansion
Prof. Adigio revealed that NMU began academic activities in 2018 with 13 programmes under three faculties: Engineering, Environmental Management, and Transportation. A Basic Studies Unit is also in place and is on track to become a full Faculty of Science.
Currently, NMU operates from two campuses—Kurutie and Okerenkoko—with the Faculty of Engineering, School of Basic Studies, and Central Administration based in Kurutie, while the Okerenkoko campus houses the Faculties of Transportation and Environmental Management.
He highlighted infrastructural challenges due to the university’s riverine location, which significantly increases the cost of construction and logistics. However, he commended the strategic use of available resources to deliver critical projects.
Developmental Milestones and Partnerships
The VC listed several achievements, including:
- Resuscitation of a water facility in Kurutie for staff, students, and the host community.
- Ongoing construction of a mega water project by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) at Okerenkoko.
- Commissioning of Faculty of Engineering buildings by SPDC and a mechanical engineering workshop funded by TETFund.
- A Faculty Complex donated by the Delta State Government, along with an access road to the permanent site.
He added that all 13 programmes offered by the University have received full accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC), and the five engineering programmes have been certified by the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).
Staff and Student Welfare
Prof. Adigio highlighted efforts in staff development, including scholarships and training opportunities, as well as increased student accommodation. Notable projects include:
- A 96-bed hostel in Kurutie (completed).
- A 180-bed hostel in Okerenkoko (near completion).
- A proposed 250-bed hostel in Kurutie.
However, he decried the absence of staff accommodation as a major impediment to retaining top talent, calling on the Federal Government and development partners for urgent intervention.
Sports and International Recognition
He noted the importance of sports in student development and announced that NMU participated in the 2025 Federation International Sport Universities (FISU) Trials, winning a total of 25 medals (10 gold, 9 silver, 6 bronze) in swimming and taekwondo—qualifying to represent Nigeria in Germany.
Research and International Collaboration
The VC highlighted the university’s strides in research and international engagement, including the successful hosting of its first International Conference on the Blue Economy in February. A significant outcome of the event was the signing of an MoU with Earth Law Center Africa, a U.S.-based organization, for collaborative research.
Commitment to Excellence
Prof. Adigio emphasized NMU’s dedication to quality assurance through a comprehensive framework for academic excellence, aimed at producing self-reliant, job-creating graduates.
He revealed that 870 students from the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 academic sessions are graduating—a 273% increase from the previous convocation’s 233 graduates.
In conclusion, he congratulated the graduating students and their families, assuring them that NMU has equipped them with the tools for success and national contribution.
“You are prepared to face the world with confidence, skills, and a mission to positively impact Nigeria’s growth,” he stated.
