Six months after the Senate passed a bill for the establishment of the Maritime University in Delta State, it is yet to take off, despite the federal government’s promise to release the sum of two billion naira. The delay of the University, initially billed to begin in October this year, has been a sore area for Niger Deltans, who believe the institution will consolidate on the existing peace in the region.
When the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo visited the Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State on January the 16th this year expectations were high that the take off of the institution was within a touching distance. The Senate passed the bill for the establishment of the Maritime University on Thursday, May the 4th this year.
At the opening of the 2nd National Council of the Niger Delta in Ondo State on September the 13th, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo disclosed that the Federal Government had approved the release of 2 billion naira as take off grant for the Maritime University.
Former President of the Ijaw Youth Council Udengs Eradiri highlights the importance of the institution to peace and stability in the region. The Federal Government is yet to make a statement on the delay of the Maritime University initially expected to take off in October.