Nearly four years after the University of Maritime Studies, Oron (UMSO) was legally established, the elders of the Oron nation in Akwa Ibom State are voicing their frustration over its continued dormancy. The institution was created through an Act of the National Assembly and received presidential assent from former President Muhammadu Buhari on February 16, 2023, yet it remains non-operational.
During a press briefing on Monday in Abuja, the elders—organized under the banner of Oron Stakeholders—described the situation as unacceptable. They warned that Nigeria risks losing vital opportunities in the blue economy sector and undermining its maritime development goals due to this prolonged delay.
Professor Emmanuel Onwioduokit, speaking on behalf of the group, called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene urgently. “A university that exists in law must also exist in reality,” the elders asserted, emphasizing that despite years of advocacy, legislative processes, and stakeholder engagements, the university exists only on paper without any operational structures.
The origins of UMSO trace back to 2008, when the Niger Delta Development Technical Committee recommended upgrading the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, into a full-fledged university. Following the bill’s signing, expectations included the appointment of principal officers, formation of governing councils, and the start of academic activities—none of which have materialized.
The elders expressed concern over the slow implementation, questioning why the Federal Government has not appointed a substantive Vice-Chancellor or fully constituted the Governing Council. They also wondered why public resources continue to be directed toward structures that were meant to transition into the new university framework.
According to the stakeholders, the issue transcends local interests. The university was envisioned as a national center for maritime excellence, a driver of Nigeria’s blue economy, a hub for research and innovation, and a platform for youth employment and educational advancement. They warned that each day of delay translates into lost educational opportunities, weakened public confidence, and stalled regional economic development.
The elders demanded immediate action from the Tinubu administration, including the appointment of a Vice-Chancellor and principal officers, full constitution of the Governing Council, clear directives to relevant ministries and agencies, a transparent implementation timeline, and an administrative review of factors causing the delay. “We are not asking for special treatment; we are simply demanding that an existing federal law be fully implemented,” the forum stated.