FUTO, Imo Government Move to Revive School of Maritime Technology Project

The Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) and the Imo State Government are working towards reviving plans to establish the University's proposed School of Maritime Technology at Ossemotor, a community on the bank of Oguta Lake, with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) among the steps being awaited to advance the project.

The renewed push followed a visit to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. I.N.S. Dozie, by the Imo State Commissioner for Niger Delta Affairs and Intelligence, Dr. Henry Okafor, who indicated that the necessary MoU and other measures were being pursued to facilitate the School's take-off.

FUTO Management had, in 2024, toured the proposed permanent site which already has some buildings, including an administrative block, classrooms, and hostels.

The proposed School of Maritime Technology is expected to strengthen FUTO's capacity to contribute to maritime education, research, and skills development, drawing on the University's existing expertise in Maritime Technology, Logistics and Transport Technology, Petroleum Engineering, and related fields.

Briefing the Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Okafor outlined the Ministry's responsibilities, including managing relationships between oil companies and their host communities, promoting effective community engagement, and fostering peace, stability and sustainable development across the oil- and gas-producing region.

The Commissioner tipped FUTO as strategically positioned to support the Ministry's mandate, describing the University as the "best university of technology in Nigeria."

Receiving the Commissioner and his delegation, Prof. Dozie expressed FUTO's readiness to deepen collaboration with the Ministry in areas including research and innovation, capacity building, youth empowerment, environmental sustainability, community engagement, and conflict prevention.

He highlighted the University's academic and technological strengths, noting their potential to contribute to the development of the oil and gas sector and the wider Niger Delta region.

Reiterating his administration's commitment to institutional development, the Vice-Chancellor said: “Our commitment is to leave FUTO better than we met it.” He expressed optimism that the engagement would lead to a strong and mutually beneficial partnership between FUTO and the Ministry, with the proposed School of Maritime Technology offering a concrete area for collaboration.

Members of the University's Management who flanked the Vice-Chancellor during the visit were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Engr. Prof. Remy Uche; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. C.C. Ogueke; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Development and Innovation), Prof. E.B. Etuk; Registrar, Mr. Chiedozie Uba; Mr. Okechukwu Oji, who represented the Bursar; and University Librarian, Dr. Mrs. Justina Ekere.