In a move to deepen expertise in the maritime industry, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has officially inaugurated the Institute of Maritime Studies at the University of Lagos (UNILAG). The minister underscored that knowledge-driven development is central to economic growth, marking the event as 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.
Oyetola stated, "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."
The minister emphasized that the vision for the Nigerian marine and blue economy is anchored on sustainable exploitation of vast ocean resources, economic diversification, environmental stewardship, and inclusive growth. He reiterated the government's dedication to fostering a robust maritime sector through education and training.
NIMASA's Role in Capacity Building
The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dayo Mobereola, disclosed that capacity building remains one of the core pillars of NIMASA's mandate. He noted that, as a testament to the agency's commitment to capacity building, NIMASA has formalized a workforce development initiative through the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP). This initiative aims to bridge the talent gap in the maritime industry by training 2,497 youths, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled professionals for the sector.
UNILAG's Vice-Chancellor on the Institute
The Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, explained that the building, which represents the first phase of the Institute of Maritime Studies Complex, was donated by NIMASA. She disclosed that the institute delivers quality and experiential learning to students drawn from a broad spectrum of maritime organizations 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 with the competencies required in today's dynamic global maritime industry," she noted.
The inauguration of the Institute of Maritime Studies at UNILAG is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing Nigeria's blue economy by producing highly skilled maritime professionals who can compete on the global stage.
