President Bola Tinubu stated on Saturday that the establishment of the Nigeria Maritime University in Okerenkoko, Delta State, in May 2015, has brought about a restoration of peace in the oil-rich Niger Delta region.
“Since the establishment of the university, peace has returned to the entire Niger Delta region, which in the past has been a hotshot of crisis and militancy,” said the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who spoke on Tinubu’s behalf at the university’s maiden convocation.”
“That is the pivotal role that this university is playing in the peace of the region.”
The President highlighted that the institution, designated as the nation’s ‘premier maritime university,’ was officially established by the Federal Government eight years ago. Academic activities commenced in the 2017/2018 academic session.
In extending congratulations to the Chancellor, King Alfred Diete Spiff Seriatu, the Amayanabo of Twon-Brass in Bayelsa State, on this significant occasion, Tinubu expressed optimism that the graduation ceremony would pave the way for future successes.
He also conveyed well-wishes to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Emmanuel Munakurogha Adigio, as well as other key university officials, members of the Senate, faculty deans, the university’s staff and students, and the Gbaramatu people of Delta State, who constitute the host community.
“It is my pleasure to celebrate with you this milestone moment, the graduation of the first set of students from the Nigerian Maritime University,” Tinubu said.
“This event is indeed a significant moment in our national history in the educational sector as it represents the culmination of government’s efforts at conceptualising, planning, and building an institution of this nature that will impact human capital development in our nation’s maritime economy.”