President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday appointed the Amanyanabo of Twon Brass Kingdom of Bayelsa State, His Eminence, King Alfred Papapreye Diette-Spiff, Seriya II, as Chancellor of the Nigeria Maritime University (NMU), located in Okerenkoko, in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.
The event was part of activities marking the institution’s maiden convocation ceremony on its campus.
President Tinubu was represented by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo.
The university, as part of the convocation ceremony, conferred a Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Honoris Causa) on ex-militant leader, High Chief Oweizide Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, and a Doctor of Letters on King Alfred Papapreye Diette-Spiff, for their contributions to the growth and development of the university.
After he was installed as Chancellor, King Alfred Papapreye Diette-Spiff assured that he would ensure the transformation of NMU into a leading institution in the world.
In an address presented at the convocation, President Tinubu said he was aware of the university’s vision, which is to be the maritime institution of first choice for all those who seek to make a career in the maritime industry and to contribute towards the creation of employment and wealth in the highly competitive global maritime economy.
He expressed optimism that the university would record great achievements in the area of building the country’s capacity in maritime technology and business, in line with the global best practices that will place Nigeria on the list of the great maritime economies of the world.
“I am not unaware of the challenges and constraints that this university is currently contending with. Such challenges and constraints are not unusual during the early phases of the life of any institution. But I can assure you that this government will continue to do our best to ensure your needs,” the president stated.