University of Maritime Studies, Oron: Why Is an Approved Federal University Yet to Commence Full Operations? - Victor E. Mkpofor

Three years after the passage of the law upgrading Nigeria's Maritime Academy, Oron into a university, the institution remains largely in limbo despite receiving legal recognition and regulatory approval.

The University of Maritime Studies, Oron (Establishment) Act, 2022, which was gazetted on 15 May 2023, established a new federal university in Akwa Ibom State and repealed the Maritime Academy of Nigeria Act, CAP M3, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, which had governed the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron for decades.

In legal terms, the Maritime Academy of Nigeria ceased to exist following the enactment of the law. However, nearly three years later, the reality on the ground appears different. The University of Maritime Studies, Oron exists largely on paper, while the institution that was legally repealed continues to operate.

UMSO in view

Adding to the questions surrounding the implementation of the law is the fact that the National Universities Commission (NUC) has officially listed the University of Maritime Studies, Oron among approved federal universities in Nigeria. Furthermore, the university has already been listed on the JAMB portal, indicating recognition within Nigeria's admission framework.

This raises several important questions:

• Why has an institution established by an Act of the National Assembly and recognised by the NUC not commenced full operations?

• What administrative, legal, or policy obstacles are responsible for this delay?

• Why are principal officers and governing structures yet to be fully constituted?

• Why does the implementation of the law appear to have stalled despite all necessary approvals?

These questions are particularly important because the establishment of the University of Maritime Studies, Oron goes beyond the interests of Oron people alone. The institution was envisioned as a centre of excellence for maritime education, research, innovation, and manpower development for Nigeria's growing blue economy.

The potential impact of this university on Oron and the wider Niger Delta region cannot be overstated. A fully operational university would attract investments, create employment opportunities, stimulate local businesses, encourage infrastructural development, and potentially lead to the establishment of complementary institutions such as teaching hospitals, research centres, financial institutions, and numerous opportunities for young people.

The continued delay therefore raises concerns and calls for transparency.

I respectfully call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Ministry of Education, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the National Universities Commission, and other relevant authorities to investigate the reasons behind the non-implementation of the University of Maritime Studies, Oron Establishment Act.

If there are administrative bottlenecks, they should be addressed immediately. If there are unresolved legal issues, the public deserves clarity. And if there are any forms of political interference, institutional resistance, or other actions hindering the implementation of an existing federal law, such matters should be thoroughly investigated in the interest of justice, accountability, and national development.

The Nigerian people deserve answers.

How can a university established by law, recognised by the NUC, and listed on the JAMB portal still be unable to commence full operations years after its establishment?

The time has come for transparency and decisive action.

The University of Maritime Studies, Oron should move beyond existing only on paper and begin fulfilling the vision for which it was created.

Victor E. Mkpofor

Coventry, United Kingdom