Naval chief says Maritime university to kick off operation soon

The Nigerian Navy said on Tuesday that the naval Maritime University in Ibuza, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta, would soon commence academic work.

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice-Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas, made the disclosure when he visited the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta in Warri.

Ibas said that the process of obtaining the required approval for already constructed institution was being concluded.

The naval chief said the proposed university was initially conceived as a Navy College.

''The moment the Federal Executive Council (FEC) grants the approval to commence operations, the university will start academic activities.

"It is true that the Navy is in the process of obtaining the necessary clearance to have it converted to a university that will serve the navy as well as members of the public.

"You will recall that the Navy undertakes a lot of its courses abroad in some civil institutions.

''So what the Navy has done is to go into partnership with some foreign partners who will assist us in establishing a school that will cater for the needs of the Navy in some areas we are currently deficient.

"The process of getting the university licence is still on-going, we are contacting all the relevant agencies of government for approval,'' he said.

Ibas also attributed the relative peace in the Niger Delta region in respect of insurgency to the dialogue approach adopted by various organs of the government.

''You will recall that different organs of government have been dialoguing with the militants concerned, while the military maintains its posture of ensuring that militant activities are curtailed.

''For us as the Navy, in peace and war times, our duty is to ensure we police the general maritime areas and ensure that legitimate business thrives,'' he said.