Oron Elders Call for Immediate Operationalisation of Maritime University

The Oron Stakeholders Forum has called on President Bola Tinubu to direct the immediate operationalisation of the University of Maritime Studies Oron (UMSO) in Akwa Ibom State by appointing the institution's principal officers. This comes almost four years after the bill for the upgrade of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, to a university was passed by the National Assembly and signed by the president on 16 February 2023.

The group, led by its chairperson, Asukwo Obon, decried the non-commencement of the university's activities despite the upgrade. Emmanuel Onwioduokit, a professor of economics and spokesperson for the group, said they're requesting the immediate appointment of a vice-chancellor and principal officers, full constitutions of the governing council, clear directives to all relevant ministries and agencies to conclude pending implementation processes, publication of a transparent operational timeline with measurable milestones, and administrative review of all delays associated with the implementation process. They can't understand why the university hasn't taken off yet.

Asukwo Obon stated that the Minister of Education has written to the president to appoint a vice-chancellor and other principal officers for the university. He also mentioned that the group has engaged the national assembly, which invited the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the Ministry of Education, asking them to conclude the process in three months. However, nothing has happened since then. The group doesn't know what's causing the delay.

The governing council of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria and the Rector oppose the transition. Last month, the chairperson of the MAN council, Kehinde Akinola, cautioned stakeholders against the push to convert the academy from a specialised institution into a conventional multidisciplinary university. Kehinde Akinola insists that the academy's strength lies in its specialised programmes, industry linkages, global recognition, and hands-on training. He adds that any action taken should first consider whether such a shift would enhance or weaken the institution's core mandate. It's clear that he's concerned about the academy's future.

The government continues to allocate billions into the Maritime Academy of Nigeria despite the institution's legal repeal and replacement by the university. Between 2021 and 2024, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) remitted N12.21 billion to the institution. Records from NIMASA financial statements show that in three years alone, the agency remitted N12.21 billion to the academy. This is a significant amount of money, and it's not clear why it's still being allocated to the academy.

Under Section 16(2) of the NIMASA Act, the agency must remit at least 5% of its annual revenue to the Maritime Academy of Nigeria. This provision has generated billions of naira for the academy. The Oron Stakeholders Forum is now calling for the immediate operationalisation of the University of Maritime Studies Oron to put an end to the uncertainty surrounding the institution. They don't want to see any more delays.

The delay in the operationalisation of the university has raised concerns about the impact on the maritime industry in Nigeria. The university is expected to play a crucial role in providing training and education for professionals in the industry. The Oron Stakeholders Forum is urging the government to take immediate action to address the issue and ensure the university commences its activities as soon as possible. They won't give up until they see progress.

The Oron Stakeholders Forum's call for the immediate operationalisation of the University of Maritime Studies Oron is a step in the right direction. The university has the potential to play a significant role in the development of the maritime industry in Nigeria, as it will provide training and education for professionals in the industry. It's now up to the government to take the necessary steps to ensure the university commences its activities as soon as possible. They must take action to address the issue.

The maritime industry is a critical sector of the Nigerian economy, and the university is expected to provide the necessary training and education for professionals in the industry. The delay in the operationalisation of the university has raised concerns about the impact on the industry. The Oron Stakeholders Forum's call is a reminder to the government of the need to take immediate action to address the issue. The government can't afford to wait any longer.

The University of Maritime Studies Oron is expected to provide a wide range of academic programmes, including undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. The university will also provide training and education for professionals in the maritime industry, including sailors, shipbuilders, and port managers. The university's programmes will be designed to meet the needs of the industry, and the institution will work closely with industry stakeholders to ensure that its graduates are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the industry. This is what the industry needs.

The Oron Stakeholders Forum's call for the immediate operationalisation of the University of Maritime Studies Oron is a call to action for the government. The government must take the necessary steps to ensure the university commences its activities as soon as possible. This includes the appointment of a vice-chancellor and principal officers, the constitution of the governing council, and the publication of a transparent operational timeline with measurable milestones. They won't be able to move forward without these steps.

The University of Maritime Studies Oron has the potential to make a significant contribution to the development of the maritime industry in Nigeria. The institution will provide the necessary training and education for professionals in the industry, and its programmes will be designed to meet the needs of the industry. The Oron Stakeholders Forum's call is a reminder to the government of the need to take immediate action to address the issue and ensure the university commences its activities as soon as possible. The government must take this call seriously and act quickly.