The Management of Caribbean Maritime University (CMU), Kingston, Jamaica has indicated interest to renew its partnership with Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa, Nigeria to develop its proposed School of Maritime Transport and Logistics at Ugbo Nla.
This was expressed when the Deputy to the President of CMU, Prof. Ibrahim Ajaguna, visited OAUSTECH on Friday, 13 January, 2023 at the University’s Main Campus along Okitipupa-Igbokoda Road, Okitipupa.
Professor Ajaguna, a world-acclaimed international scholar in maritime studies from Ikare-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria, expressed the willingness of his University to use, what he called, The Blue Ocean Strategy to assist OAUSTECH develop the following maritime programmes: BSc Marine Engineering, BSc Nautical Science, BSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management, BSc Cruise Shipping & Marine Tourism and BSc Maritime Security.
Speaking further, the CMU professor lauded OAUSTECH Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Temi Emmanuel Ologunorisa’s vision and passion to develop the University and expand its programmes, especially in the area of Blue Economy, which he noted, is the new direction the world is drifting to.
Prof. Ajagunna, who recalled that he first visited OAUSTECH in 2017 during the tenure of Prof. Sunday Roberts Ogunduyile which culminated in signing a Memorandum of Understanding, stated that there are a number of areas in which the two institutions could partner including staff and student exchange programmes, joint teaching and research grant proposal development, and development of split-site (3+1) programmes.
Prof. Ajagunna revealed that, during his earlier visit to Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, he requested that OAUSTECH leadership should visit CMU in Jamaica, which the Arakunrin Akeredolu granted.
The maritime expert added that Arakunrin Akeredolu’s approval ensured the visit of the trio of the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Pastor Femi Agagu, OAUSTECH Governing Council Chairman, Prof. Akinbo Adesomoju and former Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sunday Roberts Ogunduyile to CMU in 2018.
He was optimistic that the renewed OAUSTECH partnership with his University under the current leadership would prosperously boom the financial fortunes of OAUSTECH and CMU and their adjoining communities.
Earlier in his welcome address, the OAUSTECH Vice-Chancellor appreciated Prof. Ajagunna for honouring OAUSTECH’s invitation and revealed that Caribbean Maritime University is a centre of excellence in the Caribbean and the world, adding that it is a specialised institution well-recognised by International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
Re-stating his eagerness to fast-track the development of OAUSTECH, Prof. Ologunorisa stressed that he is certain that CMU is the right strategic partner that would help a great deal in actualising the dreams of the University regarding its maritime programmes.
“There is no way we can run the programmes successfully without the support of The Caribbean Maritime University,” Prof. Ologunorisa submitted.
He informed the CMU’s Deputy President of the commitment and readiness of Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) and the Ondo State Government, under the leadership of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON to assist the University in that regard due to its strategic relevance to the economic prosperity of the Ondo State and its coastal region.
Prof. Ajagunna expressed that he looks forward to seeing Governor Akeredolu and the VC of OAUSTECH visit CMU in the course of 2023.
In his remarks, an erudite scholar and the Dean, School of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, Prof. Oluyemisi Akinyemiju promised that the Committee of Deans and Directors will do its best to support the VC’s drive and ensure success of the programmes. He reiterated that the VC’s vision is a big and welcome one.
He, therefore, appealed to Prof. Ajagunna to use his expertise, vastness, experience and connections to help OAUSTECH sail through.
In his vote of thanks, the Registrar, Mr. Ganiyu Oke Saliu, appreciated Prof. Ajagunna for his August presence and love for OAUSTECH.
The Registrar was quick to add that Prof. Ajagunna, a cerebral academic and administrator, is a positive publicity for Nigeria.
“We wish you good health, long life, prosperity and journey mercies back to Jamaica,” he supplicated.
Present at the meeting were: University Librarian, Prof. Fredrick Ajegbomogun; Acting Bursar, Mr. Ganiyu Bamidele Aminu; Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies, Prof. Adegoke Adegbite; Dean, School of Science, Prof. David Aworinde; and Acting Dean, School of Engineering and Engineering Technology, Dr. Isaac Olaniyan.
Others were: Dean, Student Affairs, Prof. Ipoola Faleyimu; Director, Academic Planning and Quality Assurance, Prof. Foluso Adetuyi and the Deputy Director, Directorate of Information, Protocol and Public Relations, Mr. Paul Busayo Adeagbo, among others.
Signed
Paul Adeagbo
Deputy Director, Information, Protocol and Public Relations, Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology Okitipupa, Nigeria.
14 January, 2023.
JATS Online News 