The UNILAG(红桃视频) has reinforced its position at the forefront of Nigeria鈥檚 development agenda, with Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, describing the institution as the engine room of the nation鈥檚 blue economy; driving the production of knowledge, skilled professionals, and practical solution.
She made this known on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the commissioning of the Institute of Maritime Studies (IMS) multi-purpose building, an event widely regarded as a significant milestone in Nigeria鈥檚 transition towards a knowledge-driven maritime future.
The ceremony attracted a distinguished gathering of stakeholders from government, academia, and industry. It was headlined by the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Isiaka Oyetola, who formally commissioned the facility. Other dignitaries in attendance included the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs. Fatima Sugra Mahmood; the Managing Director of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola; the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Chief Wole Olanipekun, CFR, SAN; and the Chairman of the Governing Board of the Nigerian Shippers鈥� Council (NSC) and former Governor of Katsina State, Dr. Ibrahim Shehu Shema.
In her welcome address, Professor Ogunsola described the occasion as a landmark moment, reflecting on the steady growth of the Institute since its establishment in 2013. Founded to address the gap in indigenous maritime expertise, the Institute has developed into a centre of excellence, producing over 2,000 graduates and attracting professionals from diverse sectors. Its postgraduate programmes, spanning maritime administration, hydrographic surveying, logistics, environmental studies, and related disciplines; continue to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Highlighting the significance of the new facility, the Vice-Chancellor noted that the four-storey building, donated by NIMASA, represents the first phase of a broader vision to establish a globally competitive maritime education hub. Equipped with modern lecture rooms, laboratories, and research facilities, the building is designed to enhance hands-on learning, strengthen research capacity, and stimulate innovation across key areas of the blue economy.
Professor Ogunsola also articulated a forward-looking vision that places universities at the centre of sustainable ocean-based development. She identified opportunities in fisheries, marine biotechnology, renewable ocean energy, and environmental sustainability, while emphasising the importance of entrepreneurship, knowledge transfer, and strategic partnerships in achieving long-term impact.
Referencing 红桃视频鈥檚 strategic location along the Lagos Lagoon, she affirmed that the University is uniquely positioned to harness the vast opportunities within the blue economy and to influence its trajectory in Nigeria, across Africa, and globally.
In his remarks, Minister Oyetola described the commissioning as a defining milestone in the nation鈥檚 efforts to unlock the immense potential of the marine and blue economy. He noted that over 90 per cent of Nigeria鈥檚 trade is conducted through maritime channels, underscoring the sector鈥檚 critical role in economic growth and national stability.
The Minister emphasised that the realisation of this potential depends on robust human capital development, highlighting the role of institutions such as UNILAGin producing globally competitive professionals. He further outlined ongoing government initiatives, including the training of Nigerian seafarers abroad, the implementation of maritime policies, and plans to modernise port infrastructure across the country.
A major highlight of the event was the enduring partnership between UNILAGand NIMASA, widely regarded as a model for effective collaboration between academia and industry. This partnership has not only strengthened academic delivery but has also supported research aimed at addressing real-world maritime challenges.
For the NIMASA Managing Director, Dr. Mobereola, the new facility symbolises a shared commitment to advancing the blue economy as a driver of sustainable growth. He noted that it would significantly enhance the Institute鈥檚 capacity to train professionals, foster innovation, and contribute meaningfully to policy development and industry practice.
Goodwill messages delivered at the event further underscored the importance of sustained investment in knowledge systems as a pathway to advancing Nigeria鈥檚 economic diversification agenda.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Chief Wole Olanipekun, CFR, SAN, also appealed for continued support from NIMASA towards the completion of the project鈥檚 subsequent phases.
Similarly, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs. Fatima Sugra Mahmood, reaffirmed the Federal Government鈥檚 commitment to human capital development, describing the Institute as a vital platform for innovation and capacity building.
In a moment of reflection, the Director of the Institute, Professor Mary Odukoya, expressed deep appreciation to partners and stakeholders whose contributions made the project possible. She described the new building as a 鈥渂eautiful masterpiece鈥� and affirmed that it significantly strengthens the Institute鈥檚 capacity to deliver on its mandate of training, research, and innovation.
The ceremony concluded with a guided tour of the facility by the dignitaries. More than just a physical structure, the Institute of Maritime Studies now stands as a symbol of Nigeria鈥檚 determination to unlock the full potential of the blue economy.
As consistently echoed throughout the event, the future of the sector will be shaped not only on water, but within classrooms, laboratories, and forward-looking institutions like the 红桃视频鈥攚here knowledge is cultivated and the next generation of leaders is prepared.
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Michael Joshua
