UNIZIK Set to Commission NIMASA Maritime Building as VC Receives Institute, Project Consultants

Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, is set to commission the first phase of its Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA)-funded Maritime Building, marking another major milestone in the University's drive to strengthen maritime education, research, and infrastructure.

The development emerged when the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, received a delegation from the Institute of Maritime Studies and consultants overseeing the NIMASA Maritime Building Project at his office

The delegation briefed the Vice-Chancellor on the successful completion of the project's first phase and preparations for its official handover and commissioning.

Speaking during the meeting, the Director of the Institute of Maritime Studies, Professor Ifeanyi Christian Enete, expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor for his unwavering support and commitment to the growth of the Institute. He explained that the visit was to update the University's management on the Institute's activities and the progress of the NIMASA-funded project.

Also speaking, the project consultant, Professor Austine Ezezue of Frank Power Limited, announced that the first phase of the Maritime Building had been completed and was ready for formal handover to the University.

He disclosed that the completed phase comprises a modern administrative building equipped with facilities designed to support efficient academic and administrative operations. Professor Ezezue further emphasized the strategic importance of locating maritime training facilities close to the river, noting that such an environment provides students with the practical exposure and hands-on experience required to meet global standards in maritime education and training.

In his response, the Vice-Chancellor commended the Institute and the project consultants for their professionalism and commitment to the successful execution of the project. He reaffirmed the University's resolve to provide the necessary institutional support to enable the Institute of Maritime Studies to fulfill its mandate.

Professor Anyaehie also pledged enhanced security and the provision of accommodation within the riverine area of Onitsha to facilitate practical training, research, innovation, and other field-based academic activities.

To facilitate the formal inauguration of the facility, the Vice-Chancellor proposed July 16 and 17, 2026, as tentative dates for the commissioning of the completed first phase, subject to the conclusion of necessary arrangements.

He expressed profound appreciation to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for its partnership with Nnamdi Azikiwe University, describing the collaboration as a strategic investment in the advancement of maritime education and the development of skilled manpower for Nigeria's maritime sector.

Professor Anyaehie reaffirmed his commitment, as the University's seventh substantive Vice-Chancellor, to providing the visionary leadership and institutional support required to ensure the sustained growth of the Institute of Maritime Studies and the successful completion of the overall project.

Other members of the delegation included Engr. Nwaiwu Okechukwu of MPI Infrastructure and Mr. Oduche Chidera of Frank Power Limited.