If you want to walk fast, walk alone; If you want to walk far, walk with others.” No truer words than this popular African proverb can be said of the monumental step taken by the University of Lagos and the Nigerian Navy on Wednesday, February 9, 2022.
Holding hands to chart the course of a greater and more relevant future for hydrography in Nigeria, the two institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Hydrographic Survey Partnership in a grand ceremony held at the New Conference Room, Naval Headquarters, Abuja, Nigeria.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo, AM GSS psc ensp (RSA) MTM FNIM MUSNI FCIS FIIPS FCAI, heartily received the University of Lagos (UNILAG) team, ably led by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Oluwatoyin Temitayo Ogundipe, FAS.
In his remarks, he expressed his delight for the actualisation of the partnership with UNILAG, describing the occasion as epoch-making, as it will ensure the availability of skilled manpower in hydrography to advance Nigeria’s hydrographic practice in line with international best practice.
In his words, “…availability of skilled hydrographic manpower as well as requisite survey platforms and equipment in any nation enhances such nation’s capability to explore and exploit the resources of the sea, conduct coastal zone management, develop shore approaches and advance maritime security. Optimal execution of these activities supports various maritime economic engagements, which generate revenue for improved economic growth.”
The Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Professor Oluwatoyin T. Ogundipe, FAS, who described the union as “marriage” expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Navy for accepting to walk this journey of actualisation of the advancement of maritime studies in Nigeria.
He reiterated that the union is benefiting to both parties. He went ahead to narrate the expectations and the deliverables of the University.
Professor Ogundipe confidently assured that with the relationship the University of Lagos has formed with the Nigerian Navy, Nigeria will gain profound recognition in the world for its competency in hydrography.
The signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was undertaken by the Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe; the Registrar, UNILAG, Ọladẹjọ Azeez, Esq.; Head Hydrographer of the Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral Chukwuemeka E. Okafor; and Deputy Director, Civil-Military Relations (Law Support), Commodore Jamila S. Malafa.
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The Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe and the Head Hydrographer of the Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral Chukwuemeka E. Okafor shake hands while displaying the endorsed MoU on Hydrographic Survey Partnership.
Present in the UNILAG Team were: Professor Ayodele V. Atsenuwa, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services); Ọladẹjọ Azeez, Esq., Registrar; Professor Matthew Olusoji Ilori, Director, Institute of Maritime Studies; Mrs. Nonyem P. Oguama, Head of Corporate Affairs Office; and Mr. Bolarinwa Ajigboye (Vice-Chancellor’s Office).
The Institute of Maritime Studies (IMS), University of Lagos was established with the support of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in 2014. The Institute is dedicated to providing suitable manpower requirement for contemporary maritime industry, through comprehensive theoretical and practical maritime training.
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