TonyeBarcanista:
“We are not going ahead with the university project proposed by NIMASA because we have an institution in Oron, we have Nigeria Institute of Transport Technology, Zaria, and we have the Nigerian College of Aviation in Zaria which we could upgrade to a University status and NIMASA is proposing to build a new one"(Hon Rotimi Amaechi)

The above were the words of the minister of Transportation, Rotimi Chibike Amaechi proposing to cancel the proposed Nigeria Maritime University project in Warri, Delta state. This project when completed will be the first and only maritime degree awarding institution in Nigeria. This project has the prospect of attracting students all over Nigeria and outside as the first choice maritime institution in Nigeria. The prospect of development that this project will attract to the people of Warri, Delta state and Niger Delta region cannot be over-emphasized.

Alas, the project that was birthed by a President from the Niger Delta region is proposed to be cancelled by a minister from the same Niger Delta region. What justification?

NMU(Warri) Not A Substitute
Though Amaechi tried to justify his position with mentions of similar institutions across Nigeria; Maritime Academy(NMA), Oron, Akwa Ibom state; Institute of Transport Technology(NITT), Zaria, Kaduna state; and College of Aviation Technology(NCAT), Zaria, Kaduna state, Amaechi failed to justify how the existence of these aforementioned institutions nullifies the need for NMU when non of the institutions are degree awarding.

For those that may not be aware, neither the NITT(Zaria), NCAT(Zaria), NMA(Oron) nor the proposed NMU(Warri) share the same scope. While NIIT deals completely with subjects and trainings relating to Transport Technology and studies, the NCAT(Zaria) deals completely with aviation matters, the Maritime Academy(Oron) has the scope of training personnel already in maritime sector and offers diploma programs to those interested in having career the sector, while the Proposed NMU(Warri) is aimed at preparing and training professionals and experts in the Maritime. The proposed NMU(Warri) has nothing to do with Aviation, which NCAT is meant to address nor the that of NITT, neither is it to take the functions of NMA(Oron) to award diplomas. In fact, the need for professionalism in maritime training has seen students moved to Regional Maritime University in Accra, Ghana to obtain maritime degrees. It is also on record that in 2009, the federal government made arrangement with Academy of Maritime Education and Training in India to train seafarers in maritime related degrees and boycotted NMA(Oron) because it could not serve the need.

If we consider all these, wouldn't it be inappropriate for Amaechi to question the need for the project?

Addressing The Amaechi Questions:
During Amaechi's speech, he asked some questions that I believe should be answered. The questions in italics were asked by Amaechi.
Who will attend the University?
Is it not obvious that the university when come to operation will provide opportunities to Nigerians that seek professionalism in the Maritime sector? Is it not to our advantage that instead of people going abroad to India, Ghana etc to study for maritime degree, Nigerians will rather take to study at home for the program?

How many parent will allow their children to go to such place where it propose to site the University?

Last time I checked, Warri is not a war-torn area neither is it in the control of terrorist. If people can live/work in Warri Refining and Petrochemical company without harm, if people can work in oil companies and servicing companies in Warri, what then is the argument of Amaechi?

What is the aim of the University that we cannot achieve in Oron where they have all the necessary infrastructure.

This is very clear... It will amount to absurdity for one to think that a maritime degree awarding institution is meant to serve same purpose as non-degree awarding institution. In fact, University of Lagos was established despite the presence of Yaba College Technology, both in Akoka because the purpose and scope of both are different. Similarly, as much as we need a maritime university, it doesn't mean that we should erode maritime academy(Oron) that serves a different purpose. In fact, it is not possible of Oron(if upgraded to university) to be awarding diplomas and degrees at the same time. No serious institution does such. Hence, Oron as a training center cannot substitute the need of NMU(Warri).

Niger Delta Leaders are Niger Delta Problems:
The NITT(Zaria) was established by the Babangida(Niger state) regime in 1986, the NCAT(Zaria) was established in 1964 under the government of Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa(Bauchi state), the NMA(Oron) was established by General Olusegun Obasanjo(Ogun state) regime in 1979 and strengthened by President Shehu Shagari administration, but our own people seem not to be interested in NMU. While one group was busy inflating contract for land purchase, another person is proposing to stop it altogether. Will a Yorubaman act like that if it was to be cited in Ibadan or Osogbo? Will a Fulaniman act in such manner if it were to be in Gusau or Sokoto? We complain of "marginalisation" but we seem to be our own oppressors. NDDC was given to us by Obasanjo(Yoruba), LNG by Abacha(Kano), 13% by Abacha, Min of ND Affairs(Yar'adua), and Amnesty(Yar'adua). What significant thing have we benefitted from our own people?

It is my humble appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari to ignore the unpatriotic position of Amaechi, which is capable of causing ethnic tension in the region. I'm optimistic that his government will go-ahead with the proposed NMU, Warri.





May God Bless Us All and Bless Nigeria

coolscott:
By suggesting he was only trying to save money, you are providing reasons for his actions that even he (Amaechi) did not provide for himself

TheGoodJoe:


What is wrong in achieving the same aim with the Institution in Oron to save our Scarce resources?

TheGoodJoe:


Amaechi is running his ministry and he has a lot to do with limited funds. People can overlook projects that are seen as lasted but someone like Amaechi who we know carried out a lot of work as a Governor has plans and things to do with money.

He has said he will achieve the same aim with Oron. Let us wait and see what he will do with the money he will save.



He already talked about also upgrading the institution in Zaria to a University. That is killing two birds with one stone and there will still be leftover from the money.

How someone can tag this a wrong decision baffles me.

TheGoodJoe:


Do you think Nigeria is in the position of running such a project now? Crude is at $27 a barrel. For now the project can't go on. Upgrading the one at Oron is the best thing to do now we are trying to get out of a financial mess. When the institution at Oron is upgraded, there won't be limited spaces available. It will be completed in less time.

247notire:
Do u know that song zombie by cranberries? Look for it.... Your last statement prompted me to quote u. If wat u sat is true how come this govt even without buying additional arms have taken the fight to BH and are making serious gains? Ppl like u are just young men who only became politically aware in 2015, u knw little about the history of the problems of Nigeria and obviously, APC propaganda has infected u like lassa fever. Nobody shared any money in the way uve bern told dude, they are just naming bogus figures cos at the end of the day all the moneys that all the culprits so far have been charged for isn't even up to 10bn naira and someone like u blvs 2.1bn dollars was looted. Shame on u...

TheGoodJoe:


Understand which position? Tell me in one sentence what your point is? Is it not Amaechi stopped the building of a University in the Niger Delta?

It is mere Propaganda. Amaechi said we can achieve the same aim with the Institution at Oron? Oron is in the Niger Delta. Improving it to achieve the same aim of a University is nothing short of Genius.

It will save the country and the Transport Ministry Billions of Naira, achieving the same aim. If you are not biased and Partisan, you should applaud the Brilliant move.

Icekyng:

and I quote again
raise your words not your voice..
it will increase the no of intake when upgraded
I see no proof from you that it won't increase no of intake

TheGoodJoe:


Continue swallowing the lies your propagandist spits at you guys. You think Okonjo Iweala was confused when she said she approved money for Dazuki.

Below is a cash a girl close to a PDP member got. If a chick can get this, think of what top politicians got. You can lie to yourselves, not me.

BoleynDynaSTY:
Rotimi my mAn.like Apc members will say "the slayer of the Niger Deltans".

id911:


GUY, SORY TO SAY THIS. U GO SCHOOL AT ALL? WHICH AIM U WANT ACHIEVE WIT ALL D EXPLANATION WHERE I GIVE WIT ONLY MAN, ORON? U MEAN SAY U NO READ ALL D THINGS WHER I WRITE UP THERE?

AGAIN TALKING ABOUT OIL AND BUDGET, SO U NO NO SAY FAAN, NCAA, FIRS, NIMASA AND D LIKE ARE REVENUE GENERATING AGENCIES? Y U THINK SAY SOME PEOPLE WANT WORK FOR SOME GOVT PARASTATALS N DISLIKE OTHERS? Y ARE SOME PARASTATALS PAYING THEIR WORKERS HIGHER SALARIES THAN OTHERS?

ALL D SHIPS WERE DEY NAIJA WATER, WHO REGULATE THEIR ACTIVITIES AND WHO COLLECT MONEY FROM DEM? NO BE NIMASA? DO U KNOW HOW MANY BILLIONS NIMASA MAKES YEARLY? IS THAT FROM OIL?

NA THE LAST TIME I GO QUOTE U BE THIS. GUDBYE

IzonOwei:
dont mind that bigot.. ,....giving flimsy reasons to support our daft minister of transportation who knows zilch about the ministry...

coolscott:
By suggesting he was only trying to save money, you are providing reasons for his actions that even he (Amaechi) did not provide for himself

TheGoodJoe:


I guess the Federal Government is after the NIMASA bosses for spending their money. Or are you saying the funding of the NIMASA does not come from Nigeria. Or what.

I do not get your point. Amaechi said he wants to achieve the same aim of the University proposal with the Oron Institution.

Simple, achieve the same aim of the University with the Oron Institution.

I should stop mentioning Oil here because of what? Our revenue comes from fishes and NIMASA does not get money from the National Budget.

hopilo:
Maritime Academy Oron is an institution with structures already, The should have upgraded the Oron Academy to University. And use the funds for other things.

chisco82:

Lol! They will still vote for his candidate at Rivers guber. re~run.

lexyclasy:
Your write up make sense in a way....but as you said the problem of Niger Delta is caused by Niger Deltans.....Edwin clark was aware that we have NMA at ORON still in the zone but he was championing for NMU at WARRI what stop him from telling GEJ to upgrade the existing facility at oron to a degree awarding in maritime.....you are also aware that most institution we have today were originated from some where before it got to the status they are today....like UI they did not build from the scratch they converted from college of Tech.unizik,uniuyo,crutech, uni agric umudike, and quite alot more ....so i dont see anything wrong from upgrading NMA ORON to a degree awarding......stop telling us that oron was meant to be a diploma institution it is that mentality of that kind that makes Nigerian institution suffers set back....most colleges in western world awarded degrees not only to uni ok so Amaechi is right to upgrade oron which have been in existence for decades and NMU warri can as well be used as satelite campus to compliment the petroleum university which is already at effurun the former PTI Warri which was as well upgraded to petroleum university.....i think amaechi is right for this one

TonyeBarcanista:

NCAT, NITT, NMA and proposed NMU are under the jurisdiction of Ministry of Transport. Nigeria Civil Aviation authority funds NCAT, while NMU(proposed) and NMA are under NIMASSA.

These are specialised institutions. Is Law School under Ministry of Education or Justice ministry?

247notire:
That picture really doesn't prove anything irrefutably man, not these days when social media has been bastardized. You, as a zombie has refused to dispute my analyses and ur still mentioning $2.1bn. If u say 2.1bn dollars was embezzled how come all the moneys Metuh and Dasuki and co have been charged for hasn't even amounted to 10bn naira? And if the money was embezzled as claimed how come the same military has been making appreciable gains in the fight against bh? With what arms have they done this? U may rush to say substandard and whack arms were bought but this current administration hasn't bought any yet, meaning that the arms are actually serving their purpose. Look at the facts sir and let's keep talking. Pls if ur responding, respond to my questions and logically too not telling me abt 2.1bn dollars cos it's just trash...

lexyclasy:
Your write up make sense in a way....but as you said the problem of Niger Delta is caused by Niger Deltans.....Edwin clark was aware that we have NMA at ORON still in the zone but he was championing for NMU at WARRI what stop him from telling GEJ to upgrade the existing facility at oron to a degree awarding in maritime.....you are also aware that most institution we have today were originated from some where before it got to the status they are today....like UI they did not build from the scratch they converted from college of Tech.unizik,uniuyo,crutech, uni agric umudike, and quite alot more ....so i dont see anything wrong from upgrading NMA ORON to a degree awarding......stop telling us that oron was meant to be a diploma institution it is that mentality of that kind that makes Nigerian institution suffers set back....most colleges in western world awarded degrees not only to uni ok so Amaechi is right to upgrade oron which have been in existence for decades and NMU warri can as well be used as satelite campus to compliment the petroleum university which is already at effurun the former PTI Warri which was as well upgraded to petroleum university.....i think amaechi is right for this one

Pamelayoung:

And NIMASA is under the ministry of transportation

TonyeBarcanista:

Why did the government not upgrade Yaba College of Technology to degree awarding school instead of building University of Lagos? The Ibadan that you mentioned still has Ibadan Polytechnic. That tells that the importance of both can't be eroded. Why did the government establish National College of Petroleum(Kaduna) when we have PTI(Warri)? And who told you that PTI was "upgraded"? For the record University of Petroleum(Efurun) is different from PTI.

That NMU is established doesn't erode the importance of MAN(Oron). They are to serve different purpose.

ekolina:
NIMASA generates its fund. Again it is wrong to cancel MUW due to fund and allow the remaining 8 universities created by same Jonathan to run. note,this is the only federal university in delta state.......oron is akwa ibom.

TheGoodJoe:


[b]It is peole like you that denied when Emir Sanusi blew the whistle on the NNPC not remitting billions of dollars to the Federal account. At the end Emir Sanusi got vindicated.

Below is the letter of $300 million transferred in one sitting. Imagine what moved total. The cases are in court. When the case is done, you can say if it is a lie or true. For now, you do not know more than the EFCC.


“Please find a request by the National Security Adviser (NSA) for the transfer of $300 million and £5.5 million of the recovered Abacha funds to an ONSA [Office of the National Security Adviser] operations account,” the letter read.
“The NSA has explained that this is to enable the purchase of ammunition, security, and other intelligence equipment for the security agencies in order to enable them fully confront the ongoing Boko Haram threat.
“His request is sequel to the meeting you chaired with the committee on the use of recovered funds where the decision was made that recovered Abacha funds would be split 50-50 between urgent security needs to confront Boko Haram and development need (including a portion for the Future Generations window of the Sovereign Wealth Fund),” Mrs Okojo-Iweala wrote to GEJ.

http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/news/general/okonjo-iweala-i-paid-dasuki-322m-from-abacha-fund/123639.html

As for the pic, it shows the PDP shared dollars. You can not shy away from it. That picture was from a girl celebrating her own cut.[/b]

TonyeBarcanista:

"Supervised by ministry of transportation" but are self-generating and funded.

Sowell5:
If you are an Oronian,Why don't you want the maritime academy upgraded to Maritime University?
Why do you support Goodluck jonathan and Godwswill akapbaio despite massive evidence ? please explain nicely,I will not get upset. I just want to understand the psyche of Oron people .