By Eromosele Abiodun
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has disown speculations in a section of the media and a press statement from the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) to the effect that it is opposed to the establishment of the Maritime University at Okerenkoko, in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.
In a statement at the weekend, NIMASA said it was in support of the federal government’s plan for the proposed university.
According to NIMASA, “This assertion is far from the truth and it has become necessary to clarify the issue as the federal government is committed to the actualisation of the project which the agency conceived. It is pertinent to note that NIMASA is supporting every aspect of the law in its determination to fulfill its obligations.
“In addition, the National Assembly recently held a public hearing on the matter and it is expected that the funding of the institution and other aspects of running it will be specified in the Act setting up the university.
“For the avoidance of doubt, at no time did the Director General, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, say anything contrary to the federal government’s position on the issue and we solidly stand behind the federal government on its determination to actualise the project.
It added that the benefits derivable from the setting up of the institution would be quite numerous.
“Apart from becoming a citadel for knowledge and development of human capital, job opportunities will be created to the Nigerian people, particularly the community, “it stated.
