NUC approves take-off of maritime university in Okerekoko

The conflicts that have surrounded the Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State, has finally  been  laid to rest as the maritime institution had been given the go-ahead by the National Universities Commission to commence graduate degree programmes, and admit JAMB candidates.

The commission also approved three faculties for the University; namely Faculty of Marine Transport; Faculty of Engineering and Faculty of Environmental Management.

This was stated on Thursday, by the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. (Mrs.) Ongoebi Etebu, in an interview with newsmen. 

The VC noted that this was in line with the Federal Government’s new vision for the Niger Delta, to ensure a smooth take-off of Nigeria’s first maritime university.

Etebu said, “In January this year, the National Universities Commission afforded us an opportunity to commence graduate degree programmes. They approved three faculties; namely Faculty of Marine Transport with four departments including Nautical Science and other departments like Transport, Logistics; the third one, Marine Economics and Finance, and lastly, Port Management.

“Also approved was the Faculty of Engineering; where we have Marine Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Petroleum and Gas. Finally, we have the Faculty of Environmental Management; we have Environmental Management and Pollution Control, Meteorology and Climate Change, Fisheries and Marine Geology.”

The VC further noted that the Maritime University has also been granted approval by the national body to start admitting JAMB candidates.

She further said, “We are going to admit JAMB candidates with the quota the examination body gave to us. Recently, we have made efforts to get all necessary approval from the NUC and JAMB and so far, every step has been successful. The NUC and JAMB have been gracious and cooperative to ensure a smooth take-off of the Nigeria Maritime University. So, it is with eagerness that we look forward to admitting candidates for the 2017/2018 academic session. 

“No doubt, that is good news to every well-meaning Nigerian. So much is going on right now, including on-the-spot assessment of available facilities of the university to ensure a successful commencement of academic activities.

“We have a temporary site and efforts are at top gear to ensure the permanent site is ready as soon as possible. As soon as possible, once we get the clearance from JAMB, we’re going to advertise our programmes and admit qualified candidates. 

“In terms of approval, the NUC also gave us approval to do basic studies –that is, to establish School of Basic Studies. We also got approval to have a unit of General Studies – just to cater for courses like English and other languages. You know the emphasis now is that all specialised universities should have specialised programmes.”

BY ABAI FRANCIS