Maritime University Upgrade Will Enhance Nigeria's Economy

Prof. Emmanuel Onwioduokit responded to Kehind Akinola's remarks regarding the proposed upgrade of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria to a university. Akinola cautioned that such a conversion might weaken the institution's specialized training focus.

However, Onwioduokit opposed this view, asserting that global maritime education standards demonstrate that upgrading an academy to a university strengthens training systems rather than undermines them. He cited successful examples from institutions worldwide that combine academic degree programs with professional training.

Onwioduokit emphasized Nigeria's need for specialized maritime universities to address the gap in producing critical maritime professionals, including marine engineers and naval architects. He argued that the absence of such institutions limits Nigeria's ability to develop its blue economy.

Furthermore, he stated that enhancing the maritime university would improve the quality of training and certification for seafarers, ultimately serving as a catalyst for national development and attracting international partnerships.