Senate to probe delay in take-off of University of Maritime, Oron
Senate to Investigate Delays at University of Maritime Studies, Oron
The Senate has initiated plans to investigate the delay in the operational launch of the University of Maritime Studies in Oron, Akwa Ibom State. This decision follows concerns raised by Senator Ekong Sampson, who represents Akwa Ibom South, during a recent budget defense session involving the Senate Committee on Marine and Blue Economy and the Senate Committee on Appropriations.
Historically, the Maritime Academy of Nigeria in Oron was elevated to university status in 2021, an upgrade endorsed by former President Muhammadu Buhari through the signing of an Act of Parliament.
Senator Sampson expressed disappointment that, despite this legal transition, the institution has yet to commence operations as a full-fledged university. He emphasized the significance of this transformation for both Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria, particularly in relation to the nation’s goals in the marine and blue economy sectors.
“The community has been eagerly anticipating the university’s operation aligned with its new status,” he said. He urged the Senate Committee on Marine and Blue Economy to take swift action to ensure the university becomes fully functional.
“I appeal to my colleagues to expedite actions so that the University of Maritime Studies, Oron, takes off as soon as possible. The Act signed by the President should be honored, and next year’s budget should reflect the institution’s upgraded status,” he added.
Senator Abba Moro, the Senate Minority Leader, warned the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy of potential legal issues if it continues to categorize the institution as an academy in budget documents.
“Aligning the institution’s legal status with its budgetary classification is crucial to avoid infractions and ensure transparency in public spending,” he said.
In response, Senator Eshilokun, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine and Blue Economy, assured that the matter would be thoroughly reviewed for appropriate administrative and legislative measures consistent with the law.
