Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the weekend said the commencement of academic activities at the Nigerian Maritime University (NMU), Okerenkeko, Delta State, remained the strongest demonstration of President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to the development of the Niger Delta region.
Osinbajo said this at the maiden matriculation ceremony of the NMU held at the temporary site of the institution in Kurutie, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.
Osinbajo, who was represented by his special adviser on Niger Delta, Edebor Iyamu, said the Federal Government would continue to embark on meaningful projects that will attract development to the region.
“This university commenced academic activities with 270 students spread across 13 undergraduates programme in three faculties of Engineering, Environmental Management and Marine Transport and Logistics.
“Buhari has made it clear to develop the Niger Delta in the last four years. It is a measure of the President to re-write the story of a rejected region.
“The seriousness in which we view the Niger Delta informed the series of unprecedented engagement that resulted in the comprehensive development plan known as the new vision of the Niger Delta.
“The new vision has guided us every step and has also helped in building this university,” Osinbajo said.
The Vice President also revealed that 21 companies had been awarded remediation contract in Ogoniland, adding that 15 per cent of the contract sum had been released by way of mobilisation.
“The four modular refineries in the Niger Delta are near completion. Amnesty programme has received adequate support and funding,” Osinbajo said.
Director-general, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dakuku Peterside, appealed for approval and construction of more infrastructures for the speedy growth of the institution.
“NMU is a professional university that will not only be accredited by the Nigerian University Commission but also by the Nigerian Maritime Administration,” he said.
On her part, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Ongoebi Etubu, appealed to the Federal Government to assist the institution in the areas of infrastructure.
“We have three challenges namely accommodation, road and electricity. I appeal to the federal government to expeditiously come to our aid by recommencing the project work at the permanent site of the University in Okerenkoko, in Warri South-West,” she said.
