Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola on Tuesday advised the the Federal University of Lokoja to exploit its proximity to National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) at Lokoja for direct approach and collaboration while the Ministry will give every possible assistance in its bid to establish a Marine Engineering Department.
Olujimi A. Oyetomi, Director, Press and Public Relations, in a statement, said the Minister gave the advice when the management team of the university led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.
Noting that NIWA, though an agency of the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry, the Ministry does not dictate to the agency but allows it to operate in the best way it thinks. “Do not hesitate to approach any of the agencies which are under the Ministry to assist in this regard and be rest assured that the Ministry will facilitate in whatever way it can.” He further that “NIWA, is an agency under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and as government agency it’s expected to operate an open-door policy and your proximity to the agency should be leveraged on.”
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The Minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola at the meeting with the Federal University of Lokoja Team advised the University Team led by the Vice Chancellor not to be tired at following up with its request as Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) by their bureaucratic nature requires that what they are being urged to do should be followed up with.
On the plan of the University to establish a Marine Engineering Department, the Marine and Blue Economy Minister as represented stated: “The request or wish to have a Department of Marine Engineering is definitely within your place and you in concert with the National University Commission (NUC) will do most of what is required to bring it to light.”
The Minister further charged the delegation not to relent in its effort to express willingness in collaborating with the National Inland Waterways (NIWA) in Lokoja.
He urged them to approach the agency directly and put at its disposal all propositions that will help to actualise and deepen its mandate where possible.
Speaking earlier, the Vice Chancellor, Federal University Lokoja (FUL), Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi said, “Today, we stand before you with significant requests, one that aligns closely with your esteemed Ministry’s mandate; we seek your support and intervention for the establishment of the Marine Engineering Department in the Federal University Lokoja.
He maintained that the creation of the Marine Engineering Department will be a pivotal step forward as students will be equipped with knowledge and skills needed to address the challenges and opportunities within the blue economy.
The Vice Chancellor added that the aim of the visit is to seek collaboration and partnership with the National Inland Waterways in addressing complex issues such as flood management and related natural occurrences.
The highlight of the courtesy visit was a presentation made by the delegation to the representative of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola in the form of an official plaque.
Some management staff of the ministry joined the Permanent Secretary to receive the delegation from the Federal University Lokoja.
