The Minister of Maritime and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has assured the management of Federal University Of Lokoja of his support to establish a maritime Engineering Department in the institution.
Oyetola who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Olufemi Oloruntola made the pledge on Tuesday when the university management led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi paid him a visit in Abuja.
The Minister advised the institution to leverage it’s proximity to National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) at Lokoja and approach them for possible collaborations and assistance.
Noting that NIWA, though an agency of the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry, the Ministry does not dictate to the agency but allows it to operate in the best way it thinks.
“Do not hesitate to approach any of the agencies which are under the Ministry to assist in this regard and be rest assured that the Ministry will facilitate in whatever way it can.
“NIWA, is an agency under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and as government agency it’s expected to operate an open-door policy and your proximity to the agency should be leveraged on,” he said .
He urged the Chancellor not to be tired at following up with its request as Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) by their bureaucratic nature requires that what they are being urged to do should be followed up with.
“The request or wish to have a Department of Marine Engineering is definitely within your place and you in concert with the National University Commission (NUC) will do most of what is required to bring it to light.”
He urged them to approach the agency directly and put at its disposal all propositions that will help to actualise and deepen its mandate where possible.
Speaking earlier, the Vice Chancellor, Federal University Lokoja (FUL), Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi said, “Today, we stand before you with significant requests, one that aligns closely with your esteemed Ministry’s mandate; we seek your support and intervention for the establishment of the Marine Engineering Department in the Federal University Lokoja.
He maintained that the creation of the Marine Engineering Department will be a pivotal step forward as students will be equipped with knowledge and skills needed to address the challenges and opportunities within the blue economy.
The Vice Chancellor added that the aim of the visit is to seek collaboration and partnership with the National Inland Waterways in addressing complex issues such as flood management and related natural occurrences.
The highlight of the courtesy visit was a presentation made by the delegation to the representative of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola in the form of an official plaque.
According to a statement by the Director Press and Public Relations of the ministry, Olujimi Oyetomi, some management staff of the ministry joined the Permanent Secretary to receive the delegation from the Federal University Lokoja.
