By Mokobia Rita.
BURUTU/Nigeria: The Delta State Government has approved the construction of a new administrative complex, additional student hostels and specialised workshops for the Delta State Maritime Polytechnic, Burutu, in a fresh move to strengthen maritime education and expand the state’s capacity to benefit from opportunities in the blue economy.
The Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, disclosed the projects during an inspection of ongoing infrastructure at the institution, saying the investments form part of the Oborevwori administration’s efforts to reposition the polytechnic as a centre for technical manpower development in the maritime sector.
Tonukari said the projects, alongside interventions funded by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), are expected to improve practical learning, enhance students’ welfare and provide facilities needed to support specialised maritime training.
He explained that Delta’s extensive coastline presents enormous economic opportunities in shipping, fisheries, marine engineering, logistics and other marine-based industries, making investment in skilled manpower essential for sustainable economic growth.
“The Maritime Polytechnic, Burutu, remains a strategic institution in government’s plan to develop the blue economy. Our objective is to build a world-class institution capable of producing the skilled professionals required to drive growth in Nigeria’s maritime sector,” the commissioner said.
He expressed confidence that the ongoing infrastructure expansion and academic improvements would strengthen the institution’s capacity, attract more students and enhance its competitiveness among maritime training institutions in the country.
The commissioner also urged members of staff to complement government’s investment with dedication, professionalism and accountability, stressing that quality manpower remains critical to the success of any educational institution.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Higher Education, Mrs. Felicia Rone-Orugboh, commended the institution’s workforce for sustaining academic activities despite existing challenges.
She encouraged lecturers to combine teaching with mentorship, urging them to help shape students into disciplined professionals capable of meeting the demands of the maritime industry.
Earlier, the Rector of the Delta State Maritime Polytechnic, Burutu, Prof. James Okoro, thanked the state government for its continued support and assured the delegation that the institution would remain committed to academic excellence, practical maritime education and research.
