Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, on Friday, September 4, 2026, witnessed the formal handing over of a newly completed building donated to the University by the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
The facility, constructed by MP Infrastructure Ltd. is intended to strengthen maritime education, research and capacity development at the University, particularly through the Institute for Maritime Studies (IMS).
The ceremony, held at the newly completed facility, was attended by members of the University Management, MP Infrastructure Limited team, staff and students of the Institute for Maritime Studies, and other distinguished guests.
In his opening address, the Director, Institute for Maritime Studies, Prof. Ifeanyi C. Enete, expressed appreciation to NIMASA for the generous donation, describing the facility as a significant investment in the future of maritime education, research and capacity development at the University.
Prof. Enete also commended the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, for his remarkable interest and commitment to the growth of the Institute, while appreciating MP Infrastructure Limited for delivering what he described as a beautiful and befitting structure.
He, however, drew attention to some outstanding supplies and fittings which, according to him, were essential for the effective take-off and full functionality of the facility. These included computers, projectors and projector monitors, photocopy machines and stabilizers. He appealed for their early provision.
The IMS Director also appealed to the Vice Chancellor for the immediate demarcation and allocation of offices within the building to enable the Institute to commence occupation and utilisation of the facility without delay.
He assured that the Institute would make the best possible use of the facility in advancing maritime education and research.
Speaking on behalf of MP Infrastructure Limited, the Director of Projects, Engr. Sunny Osuki., explained that the project was awarded by NIMASA as part of the agency’s initiative of giving back to maritime institutions in Nigeria.
According to him, the contract provided for the construction of a one-storey open-office unit, provision of office equipment and a lecture hall.
He explained that the project was initially intended to be located around Onitsha but was subsequently cancelled because of water-related challenges. He added that the Managing Director of MP Infrastructure Limited Dr Clem Nwogbo later suggested that the project be sited at Nnamdi Azikiwe University to bring it closer to students, an idea which was accepted.
Engr. Sam further explained that although the building had been completed several months earlier, NIMASA had indicated that the commissioning would take place alongside the lecture building under construction.
Following inspection of the completed facility, however, NIMASA authorised its handover to the University Management for security monitoring pending the formal commissioning of the projects.
Responding to the development, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, initially sought clarification on the procedure for the handover, noting that, ordinarily, the contractor was expected to hand over the facility to NIMASA, which would subsequently hand it over to the University.
The Vice Chancellor observed that NIMASA, as the organisation that awarded the contract, was in the best position to verify that the terms and specifications of the contract had been fully met.
Following further explanations from the representative of MP Infrastructure Limited, the Vice Chancellor accepted the facility on behalf of the University Management for security monitoring pending the formal commissioning.
He subsequently instructed the University Chief Safety Officer, Mr Obi Collins, to ensure thesecurity and proper monitoring of the facility.
In his vote of thanks, the Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Ugochukwu Okonkwo, expressed appreciation to NIMASA for awarding the two structures to the University, noting that one had been completed while the other was still under construction.
Quoting the maxim, “Impression without expression leads to depression,” Prof. Okonkwo thanked NIMASA for its support and also appreciated the contractors, led by Dr. Clems Nwogbo, recalling their previous relationship with the University, including his donation of chairs to the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the award of a doctorate degree (Honoris Causa) to him by UNIZIK.
He commended the Vice Chancellor and the University Management, describing the Vice Chancellor as the “landlord of UNIZIK,” while expressing optimism that the project would significantly enhance the University’s maritime-related academic programmes.
Prof. Okonkwo particularly noted that the Faculty of Engineering was proud of the project, as it would complement the already approved Department of Marine and Offshore Engineering, which he said was facilitated by the Vice Chancellor at the last Senate meeting.
He expressed confidence that, with continued progress, the Institute for Maritime Studies and maritime-related programmes at Nnamdi Azikiwe University would become a major reference point in maritime education in Nigeria.
Among the dignitaries who graced the occasion were the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Hilda Osisioma; the Registrar, Dr. Chinenye Okeke; and the Director, Public Relations and Communications, Comrade Aloysius Attah, among others.
The handover further underscores the growing partnership between Nnamdi Azikiwe University and NIMASA in promoting maritime education, research, professional training and human capacity development.
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