The Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside has reiterated the support of the agency to the establishment of the Nigeria Maritime University (NMU), Okerenkoko, Warri South West Local Government Area, Delta State.
Peterside’s statement is coming on the heels of insinuations in some quarters that the agency is opposed to the establishment of the tertiary institution which has been has been enmeshed in controversy since the advent of the President Mohammdu Buhari’s administration.
In a recent statement, Ijaw youths under the auspices the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) specifically accused the agency of opposing the establishment of NMU.
However, Peterside in a statement signed by NIMASA Head of Communication, Mr. Isichei Osamgbi said IYC assertion is far from the truth and it has become necessary to clarify the issue as the Federal Government is committed to the actualization 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 fulfil 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 actualize the project.
“The benefits derivable from the setting up of the institution will 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”, the statement added.
