Expert Urges Adequate Maritime Academy Funding

A maritime expert, Mr Martins Ikhilae, has called for the upgrade of the premier maritime institution, Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Akwa Ibom, to a university.

Ikhilea made the call in Port Harcourt on Thursday shortly after he inspected the institution.

He commended the initiative of the academy’s founding fathers, saying such should not be allowed to die through inadequate funding.

“Maritime Academy, Oron is a blessing to the nation and Africa in general, but, the current state of the institution is worrisome,” Ikhilea said.

Ikhilea urged the Federal Government to keep the vision alive as well as to continuously meet the institution’s challenges.

He said Nigeria had huge maritime potential which could create job opportunities for the youth.

Ikhilea also called on the private sector to partner with the government to transform the institution.

Our correspondent reports that the academy, formerly known as the Nautical College of Nigeria, was established in 1979 by the Federal Government, for the training of all levels of personnel required for operation of the Nigerian maritime industry.