By Aisha Cole
Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye, Federal Commissioner for the National Population Commission in Lagos, has urged the Federal Government to incorporate Marine and Blue Economy subjects into the primary and secondary school curriculum.
Oladunjoye made the call at the 15th National Virtual Marine and Blue Economy Quiz Competition Awards in Lagos on Monday.
The event has the theme, “The Future of Nigeria’s Blue with the Girl Child: The Educator’s Perspective”.
She emphasised the importance of introducing maritime education at the primary and secondary school levels, being the critical stages of learning.
According to her, Ocean Ambassador is working to expose girls to ocean-related programmes, aiming to encourage them to consider careers in the expansive maritime sector.
“There is need for us to get both the federal and the state government involved, to introduce Marine and Blue Economy related subjects in primary and secondary school education.
“This will enable them to get familiar with the profession,” Oladunjoye said.
She suggested that relevant ministries could collaborate to develop a proposal for the Federal Ministry of Education, and which could lead to the inclusion of such subjects in the national curriculum.
“This would enable states and other West and Central African nations to adopt it as an examinable subject,” she added.
Oladunjoye also urged parents to encourage children to explore maritime opportunities, which could position Nigeria as a cargo hub for West and Central Africa.
In her keynote address, Mrs Adeola Arofin, Chairman of the Association of International School Educators of Nigeria (AISEN), urged students, especially girls, to pursue the potential in the marine and blue economy.
She noted that Nigeria, with its coastline, lakes, and Atlantic shore, is well-suited to leverage the blue economy’s opportunities, which include fisheries, medical research, ICT, pharmaceuticals, transport, and eco-tourism.
She urged students to show interest in the blue economy industry, to tapped from the N296 billion dollars worth potentials in th industry.
Mrs Regina Fabamwo, Chairman of the Lagos State Civil Service Commission, said that more institutions to include Maritime and Blue Economy studies, noting that many maritime graduates are already seeking employment with the Lagos State Government, demonstrating growing interest in the field.
The Convener of Ocean Ambassador, Mrs Violet Williams, urged students, particularly girls, to embrace maritime education to tap into the many opportunities within the industry.
She emphasised that Nigeria, as a shipping nation, should actively engage in these prospects to become a hub for port origin and destination.
Williams also suggested maritime tourism to allow students to gain hands-on experience in areas like shipbuilding, fisheries, aquaculture, and other maritime fields.
“I would like to thank the educators of all the students who participated in the quiz competition for their mentorship and support,” Williams said.
A total of 20 schools participated, with the top five students receiving gifts and awards.
The first position went to Uhie Pentecost from Babington Macaulay Junior Seminary, followed by Adekumfola Olowodola in second, and Olumide Makanju from Bowen College in third.
Other top students included Moranyooluwa Adeniyi from Corona School and Mercy Oluwatimileyin from Methodist Girls High School.
Former Apapa Port Manager, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mrs Funmi Olotu, said that students should develop curiosity about the maritime industry, while Mr Carol Ufere, former Port Manager in Port Harcourt, advised them to remain determined.
She also shared her journey to becoming the first female port manager in NPA history.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that APM Terminals awarded scholarships of N250,000 each to the top three runners-up and encouraged other students to work harder to join the top ranks in future competitions. (NAN).
