The Vice Chancellor of the Nigeria Maritime University (NMU), Okerenkoko, Professor Flora Tobolayefa Oluwafemi, has expressed her desire to take the first paramilitary university in Nigeria and maritime institute to the next level, just as the first female VC of Gbaramatu Kingdom descent announced the expansion of academic programmes with an addition of Faculty of Science.

Prof. Oluwafemi made the disclosure as the NMU held its 5th matriculation ceremony at the Ceremonial Pavilion, Kurutie Campus, on Saturday, February 14, 2026.

Speaking at the matriculation ceremony, the VC said no fewer than 1,058 students were admitted for the 2025/2026 academic session, noting that the figure was a significant improvement in the previous academic session.

She further stated that the university will come up with additional courses to maximize growth and development in the nation’s marine and blue economy.

Speaking with the media after the ceremony on her achievements since her assumption of office, she said, "I hope to take Nigerian Maritime University to the next level. I've already done some things that are landmark events since I came on board eight months ago.

"There are four faculties presently: Engineering, Transport, Environment, and the latest is the Faculty of Science. Basically, I've brought to be Faculty of Science that has five programmes. I've brought to be A Level Programme—that's advanced level program called JUPEB, an acronym for Joint University Preliminary Examination Board.

"So we have over 135 students already on ground in Okerenkoko and just a few days ago, the Nigerian University Commission approved for verification, the postgraduate programs in mechanical engineering, transport, nautical science, safety programs and so on and so forth.

"So I trust that during this my five-year tenure, Nigerian Maritime University Okerenkoko will be taken to a new level," she added.

Prof. Oluwafemi, who said that the school has "zero tolerance for cultism and unionism", warned both the new and old students (cadets) of the NMU to shun cultism, while she advised the new cadets to stick strongly to the NMU's dress code, stressing that the school is patterned after para military tradition.

“The Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko is patterned after para military traditions and regimented. Consequently staff and students are not permitted to unionize or belong to campus gangs. In particular, membership of cult groups is prohibited and offenders will be summarily expelled,” she warned.

On transportation, the VC revealed her plans of engagement with relevant agencies to ease transportation of cadets and staff to the institution she said is uniquely positioned, not inland, but on an island.

“I was in NIMASA three weeks ago. I was at the blue economy a few days ago, but I didn't meet the minister, I met the secretary. So I'm going to all these places to converse for support so that we can get more boats. It's not strange that Nigerian Maritime University is on an island, there is another university in Sierra Leone on an island.”

#penglobalcommunity #NMU #matriculation #Gbaramatu #Delta