From right: Principal Partner, Akabogu Law Firm, Dr. Emeka Akabogu SAN, presents a dummy cheque to Miss Adoga Joyce Ohekwuru recently.

The Best Graduated Nautical Science student of the Delta State Maritime Polytechnic, Miss Adoga Joyce Ohekwuru has won a N450, 000 scholarship from a leading maritime law firm, Akabogu Law. Miss Adoga was identified and awarded by Platforms Communications during its 9th edition of A Day with Nigerian Maritime Students held earlier in May this year.

Recall that she had completed her National Diploma in Nautical Science in 2023 and graduated with Distinction, having scored 3.76 in her Cumulative Grade Point Average CGPA. This recognition followed her emergence as one of the few students shortlisted for the Best Graduated Maritime Students Award BEGMASA, and her subsequent invitation by Platforms Communications to attend the 2025 AMSAY Conference, where she received the award.

In the course of the event, which had Dr. Emeka Akabogu SAN as Chairman, many maritime graduates including Miss Adoga, have been unable to complete the mandatory STCW basic courses required for the next stage of their careers due to funding constraints.

Following the event, Akabogu Law approved the sponsorship of Miss Adoga’s basic mandatory professional training as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility CSR.

The ₦450,000 scholarship covers the mandatory and professional training courses required for career progression, including Elementary First Aid, Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities, Personal Survival Techniques, and Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting.

The scholarship also covers Basic Training for Oil and Chemical Tanker Cargo Operations, Medical Care, Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (Other than Fast Rescue Boat), International Safety Management ISM Code training, as well as Security Awareness Training for All Port Facility Personnel.

Already, Miss Adoga has started and completed the first batch of the mandatory trainings at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, between October and December 2025, and will complete the remaining courses in the first quarter of 2026.

Speaking in Uyo while making the official presentation of the scholarship fund to the beneficiary, Senior Partner of Akabogu Law, Dr. Emeka Akabogu SAN, stated that the firm’s CSR is aimed at educational support for high-performing but financially disadvantaged individuals that can impact Nigeria’s maritime industry, a profile which Miss Adoga was assessed to meet.

He encouraged the beneficiary to maximise the opportunity and apply herself diligently towards achieving her professional objectives within the maritime industry.

Responding, convener of the AMSAY Conference, Mr. Sylvanus Obasi, commended Akabogu Law for the intervention, describing the scholarship as a significant support to the career development of Miss Adoga.

Obasi noted that the experience of Miss Joyce Adoga reflects the reality of a number of maritime students who, after completing their diploma programmes, are unable to proceed due to the financial requirements associated with mandatory professional certifications needed for sea time and career advancement.

“I am pleased that one of the objectives of the AMSAY Conference, which is to provide a platform where students can share their challenges with industry practitioners and receive support, has been realised in the case of Miss Joyce,” Obasi stated, while also indicating continued interest in monitoring her career progression.

On her part, the beneficiary of the scholarship, Miss Adoga Joyce Ohekwuru, expressed appreciation to Akabogu Law for the support, noting that the scholarship represents an important intervention in her professional development.

She stated that the completion of mandatory STCW certifications is essential to securing sea time placement and commencing a maritime career, and assured that she would apply herself with commitment and dedication in order to justify the investment made in her training.

Speaking further, Adoga advised other maritime students seeking similar opportunities to remain focused on academic excellence, professional discipline, and constructive engagement with relevant industry platforms.

Recall that during the 9th AMSAY Conference, as the Best Graduated Student in Nautical Science, Miss Joyce Adoga received an Award of Academic Excellence from Platforms Communications, organisers of the event, and also received a ₦50,000 cash prize from Capt. Segun Akanbi, the award sponsor.

It is expected that upon completion of the mandatory and professional courses covered by the scholarship, Miss Adoga will proceed to her sea time training before sitting for her Certificate of Competence COC, examination, which would open further employment opportunities for her within the maritime sector.