As part of efforts to deepen expertise in the maritime industry, Adegboyega Oyetola, minister of marine and blue economy, has commissioned the Institute of Maritime Studies at the University of Lagos, emphasising knowledge-driven development as central to economic growth.
Oyetola, who unveiled the multi-purpose building project on Thursday, said that the auspicious occasion is a defining milestone in Nigeria’s collective resolve to strengthen institutional capacity, advance innovation, and deepen the human capital base required to boost the country’s maritime and blue economy as a cornerstone of national prosperity.
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“This state-of-the-art facility, comprising well-equipped lecture rooms and functional administrative spaces, is a testament to the federal government’s commitment to knowledge-driven development.
“It reflects our belief that the future of the blue economy will be shaped not just by natural endowments but also by the quality of minds we nurture within institutions such as this,” he said.
The minister emphasised that the vision for the Nigerian marine and blue economy is clear and compelling, which is anchored on sustainable exploitation of our vast ocean resources, economic diversification, environmental stewardship, and inclusive growth.
“This vision is not abstract. It is backed by a clear mandate to transform the sector into a major driver of national development.
“In a country where over 90 percent of our trade is conducted via maritime channels, the blue economy is not just another sector. It is a national economic lifeline. Its strategic importance to our economy, our trade architecture, and our global competitiveness cannot be overstated. However, the realisation of this vision rests squarely on the strength of our human capital,” he noted.
Folasade Ogunsola, vice-chancellor of the University of Lagos, in her address, explained that the building, which represents the first phase of the Institute of Maritime Studies complex, was donated by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
“The Institute of Maritime Studies, University of Lagos was established in 2013 in response to the call by NIMASA for developing maritime manpower in-country and which has evolved into a strong partnership to proffer contextual solutions to the problems of the blue economy.
“Since then, we have remained committed to building capacity not only for Nigeria but for the entire African continent. As at today, the Institute has graduated 2000 students and over 400 students have registered for this academic session,” she said.
We currently offer postgraduate programmes that cover critical areas in Maritime Administration and Management, Hydrographic Surveying, Maritime Communications and Navigation, Maritime Environmental Studies, and Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
Ogunsola disclosed that the institute delivers quality and experiential learning to students drawn from a broad spectrum of maritime organisations, including NIMASA, NPA, the Nigerian Navy, the Shippers’ Council, CRFFN, and private shipping companies.
“We do this in collaboration with experts from the industry. The facility represents a major investment in human capital development. It features modern lecture rooms, state-of-the-art laboratories, and other equipment to support practical training, research, and innovation.
“These facilities will significantly enhance direct learning and equip our faculty, students and participants (Public & private sector) with the competencies required in today’s dynamic global maritime industry,” she noted.
Dayo Mobereola, director general at NIMASA, emphasised that capacity building,remains one of the core pillars of NIMASA’s mandate..
“As a maritime administration, we recognise that the true strength of any sector lies not only in its infrastructure or policies, but in the quality, competence, and preparedness of its human capital.
“In this regard, the agency has consistently fostered strategic partnerships with educational institutions, including eight universities across Nigeria and two international institutions,” he said.
Mobereola reiterated that as a testament to the agency’s commitment to capacity building, NIMASA, through the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) has formalised a workforce development initiative to bridge the talent gap in the maritime industry by training 2,497 young Nigerians in world-class seafaring skills at leading maritime training institutes worldwide.
Fatima Sugra-Mahmood, permanent secretary ministry of marine and blue economy, described the project as an intervention to build a broader context of the federal government’s ongoing reform, which has deliberately been focused on building the capacity of Nigerians as a foundation for sustainability and other growth.
“Across sectors, there is a clear recognition that national development is driven not just by natural resources investment, but by the quality of human capital available to power, productivity, innovation, and competitiveness.
“In this regard, this initiative represents a specific investment in Nigeria’s future, which strengthens the talent pipeline required to unlock advanced potential and opportunities within the marine and sea economy, and permits our young people to actively participate in the benefits, and benefits from the federal growth,” she said.
Wole Olanipekun, the pro-chancellor and chairman, governing council at UNILAG, applauded the minister of maritime and blue economy for spearheading the project and pleaded that the minister and ministry entrust the university management with more such projects.
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