Alex Enuma in Abuja
Urgent Call for Activation of Maritime University of Oron
President Bola Tinubu has been urged to expedite the launch of the Maritime University of Oron (UMSO) as a vital step toward advancing Nigeria’s blue economy sector. Stakeholders assert that the prolonged delay undermines the nation’s ambitions in maritime development and risks missing critical opportunities within the industry.
Over Three Years Since Establishment
The recommendation comes more than three years after the university was established by an Act of Parliament, which was signed into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari on February 16, 2023. The Oron Stakeholders Forum expressed their concerns during a press conference in Abuja, emphasizing that the lengthy revitalization process is unacceptable and contrary to Nigeria’s socio-economic development goals.
University Exists Only on Paper
Officials lamented the fact that, despite years of advocacy, legislative efforts, stakeholder involvement, and presidential assent, the university remains operationally inactive. “A university that exists legally must also exist in reality,” the forum highlighted, underscoring the urgent need for tangible progress.
Origin of the Institution
Tracing the origins of the university, the forum pointed to a recommendation from the Niger Delta Development Technical Committee in 2008, which proposed the upgrade of the Nigerian Maritime Academy in Oron to a full-fledged maritime university. This vision was framed not only as a regional initiative but as a national imperative vital for the future of Nigeria’s maritime industry.
Aims for National Maritime Excellence
Forum leaders, including President Sir A. Ukwo Inuikim Obong (Dr.) and Executive Director Benedict Ukpong, alongside Professor Emmanuel Onwioduukit, a former Economic Development Commissioner for Akwa Ibom State, maintained that the Oron Maritime University should serve as a national center for maritime excellence. They envision it as a catalyst for the nation’s blue economy, a hub for maritime research and innovation, and a platform aimed at enhancing youth employment and education.
Continued Dormancy Without Progress
Almost four years have passed since the signing of the bill, yet critical milestones—including the appointment of key executives, formation of the governing body, and initiation of academic activities—remain unfulfilled. The forum highlighted the slow implementation process, questioning the federal government’s delays in appointing a substantive deputy prime minister and other essential officials, as well as the incomplete establishment of the governing council.
Need for Immediate Action and Clarity
The stakeholders raised concerns regarding the allocation of public funds to institutions that are expected to transition into the new university framework. They warned that these delays could lead to lost educational opportunities, diminishing public trust, and hindered regional economic development. The forum called upon President Tinubu’s administration to take prompt action, including appointing a Vice-Chancellor and other key officials, forming the governing council, issuing clear directives to relevant ministries, and publishing a transparent implementation schedule to address the critical issues hampering the university’s progress.
