DG NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, OFR (3rd right) presents keys of the ultra-modern complex housing the Institute of Marine and Transport Technology donated by the agency to the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof Clifford Ofurum, while others look on.

In line with its robust capacity building initiatives, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, has delivered an ultra-modern building complex that houses the Institute of Marine and Transport Technology to the management of the University of Port Harcourt UNIPORT, Rivers State.

Director General of the agency, Dr. Bashir Jamoh OFR, who performed the official presentation in Port Harcourt, Wednesday, admitted that the building, which is a donation from NIMASA to the University, was the initiative of the previous management of the agency. He however disclosed that on assumption of office as the Director General, he saw the need to review and commence the project.

The building complex.

“This initiative dates back to 2012/2013 when the then DG of the agency decided to build a maritime training institute. The initiative is not peculiar to UNIPORT alone but also present in other universities across all the six geopolitical zones of the country. Any investment in education is definitely worthwhile.

“Research has shown that lack of education is relatively responsible for maritime crimes in the Niger Delta region. We hope beneficiaries of this Maritime Institute will be instrumental in making Nigeria a major maritime nation”, he said.

Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Abraham Georgewill, who was represented by the VC Administration, Prof Clifford Ofurum thanked NIMASA for selecting UNIPORT as the location for the Maritime institute, assuring that the University will provide adequate faculty to ensure courses are accredited and recognised globally.