NATIONAL ASSEMBLY: REP. MARTINS ESIN URGES START OF ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES AT MARITIME UNIVERSITY, ORON
John NTEKIM
Rep. Martins Esin, the Member representing Oron/Mbo/Okobo/Udung Uko/Urueoffong Oruko Federal Constituency, on Thursday, moved a motion in the House of Representatives urging the Federal Government to commence academic activities at the University of Maritime Studies, Oron, Akwa Ibom State.
During the session, presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Martins Esin who chairs the House of Representatives Committee on Youth Development emphasised the strategic importance of the institution to the maritime industry and the host community.
In his motion, titled “Call to Commence Academic Activities at University of Maritime Studies, Oron, Akwa Ibom State,” Rep. Esin recalled that the legislative framework upgrading the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, to a full-fledged university was assented to by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023.
He noted that the institution has well-established structures, initially designed to serve as a base for specialized maritime education.
He further highlighted the growing demand for maritime graduates in the workforce, stating that the establishment of the university will provide students with the opportunity to specialize in areas such as International Shipping, Marine Transport, and Marine Security, among others.
This, the lawmaker argued, “would enhance their employment prospects and contribute to the broader maritime industry, which is vital to global trade.”
However, Esin expressed concern that despite the university’s approval, academic activities are yet to commence, stalling commercial growth in Oron/Mbo/Okobo/Udung Uko/Urueoffong Oruko Federal Constituency.
He explained that the university’s operations would not only advance maritime education but also stimulate local economies.
The House, in response to the motion, resolved to invite the Honourable Minister of Education and the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) to brief the Committee on University Education on the delay.
Furthermore, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Education, the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC), and TETFUND to expedite the necessary modalities for the commencement of academic activities at the university.
The Committees on University Education, TETFUND, and Legislative Compliance were mandated to ensure the implementation of these resolutions.