By Godwin Oritse & Jimitota Onoyume

Nigeria Maritime University, NMU, Okerenkoko, Delta State, has appealed to the Federal Government to resume construction of the permanent site of the university in Okerenkoko, stressing that the school was facing challenges of office space and accommodation.

File: Nigeria Maritime University, NMU, Okerenkoko, in Delta State

Making the appeal in her address at the first matriculation ceremony of the first cadets of the first para-military university in the country,  Vice-Chancellor, Prof Ongoebi Etebu said the university was becoming a first choice institution, adding that effort must be made to redress the challenges facing the school.

She said the university was already in affiliation with Caribbean Maritime University, Jamaica, adding: “This affiliation means that we are constantly going to compare notes in the development of programmes and curriculum as well as in service delivery and training.

“They have pledged to give a scholarship to our best two students. This will no doubt propel our students to work very hard.”

Congratulating the first set of matriculating cadets, she assured that they will get a quality education and all-round training in their various fields.

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“You are our seed, planted with the expectation to flourish. We have made a great preparation to plant you. This is something we owe you,” she said.

She also thanked the Delta State government for her support to the school, expressing gratitude also to the host communities of the university.

Director-General Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr Dakuku Peterside, and several others gave goodwill messages.