By Ikechukwu Nnochiri, ABUJA

Elder statesmen in Akwa Ibom State on Monday protested the continued non‑operational status of the University of Maritime Studies, Oron (UMSO), nearly four years after the institution was established.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja, the Oron Stakeholders Forum noted that the institution was lawfully established by an Act of the National Assembly, which former President Muhammadu Buhari assented to on February 16, 2023.

“A university that exists in law must also exist in reality,” the forum insisted, describing the delayed takeoff of full academic activities at the university as “highly unacceptable.”

The group, led by Dr. Asukwo Inuikim Obon and Chief Benedict Ukpong as chairman and secretary respectively, queried why key appointments, including that of the substantive vice‑chancellor and other principal officers, have not been concluded.

It warned that Nigeria risks undermining its maritime-development ambitions and losing critical opportunities in the blue‑economy sector.

Tracing the institution’s origins, the Forum stressed that the Niger Delta Development Technical Committee had, in 2008, made recommendations that included a proposal to upgrade the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, into a full‑fledged maritime university.

According to the Forum, expectations following the signing of the bill into law included the appointment of principal officers, the constitution of governing structures, and the commencement of academic activities — none of which has materialised.

The stakeholders expressed concerns that, despite engagements with the National Universities Commission (NUC), consultations with relevant ministries, and mobilization efforts by stakeholders, the university remained dormant.

They wondered why public resources were still being directed to structures expected to transition into the new university framework.

“This issue goes beyond Oron. We respectfully call on the administration of President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene and ensure the immediate operationalisation of the university.

“Let it be clearly stated: we are not demanding special treatment. We are asking that an existing federal law be fully implemented.

“We remain committed to peaceful, lawful, and constructive engagement with all relevant authorities.

“The continued delay is no longer acceptable. Nigeria’s maritime future cannot remain on hold.

“The University of Maritime Studies, Oron, represents hope, opportunity, and national development. This is not merely an Oron project; it is a Nigerian project.

“We therefore call on all relevant authorities to act decisively and urgently. The time for implementation is now,” the forum added, saying it had engaged relevant authorities, including the leadership of the National Assembly, without any positive outcome.

,” the stakeholders said, noting that the university was conceived as a national centre for maritime excellence, a driver of Nigeria’s blue economy, a hub for maritime research and innovation, and a platform for youth employment and educational advancement.

They warned that every additional delay translates into lost educational opportunities, weakened public confidence and stalled regional economic development.

The group therefore called on the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene by ensuring the immediate operationalisation of the institution.

Among their demands were the immediate appointment of a Vice-Chancellor and principal officers, full constitution of the Governing Council, issuance of clear directives to relevant ministries and agencies, publication of a transparent implementation timeline, and an administrative review of all factors responsible for the delay.

“We are not demanding special treatment. We are asking that an existing federal law be fully implemented,” the forum stated.

Addressing journalists in Abuja,a former commissioner of economic development , Akwa Ibom state, prof. Emmanuel Onwioduokit, along with the Chairman of the forum, Sir (Dr.) A. Ukwo Inuikim Obon and the Secretary, Engr Benedict Ukpong, maintained that the University of Maritime Studies, Oron is not merely a regional project but a national institution critical to Nigeria’s maritime future.

It further wondered why public resources are still being directed to structures that declared group described the prolonged delay in activating the university as unacceptable, warning that

The stakeholders said despite years of advocacy, legislative processes, stakeholder engagements and eventual presidential assent, the university still exists only “on paper,” with no substantive operational structures in place.