Delta State Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori administration to the development of the Delta State Maritime Polytechnic, Burutu, describing the institution as a strategic investment that will drive the state's blue economy and position it as a leading maritime education hub.
Tonukari gave the assurance during an inspection tour of the institution, where he assessed ongoing infrastructure projects and held discussions with the management and staff on the institution's progress and future development.
The commissioner said the maritime polytechnic occupies a central place in the Oborevwori administration's development agenda because of its capacity to produce the skilled manpower needed to unlock the vast economic opportunities along Delta State's coastline.
He noted that the government was making significant investments in the institution to transform it into a centre of excellence for maritime education, research and technical training capable of supporting sustainable economic growth.
"The Maritime Polytechnic, Burutu, is one of the priority institutions of this administration. Government is determined to make a lasting impact here because Delta, as a coastal state with one of the longest coastlines in Nigeria, has enormous maritime potential that must be harnessed for development," Tonukari said.
According to him, graduates of the institution will play a vital role in developing the maritime industry by providing the technical expertise required to stimulate the blue economy, diversify the state's revenue base and reduce dependence on the oil and gas sector.
He expressed confidence that the ongoing expansion of facilities, alongside projects funded by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), would improve the institution's learning environment, strengthen academic programmes and attract increased student enrolment.
Tonukari disclosed that beyond the TETFund interventions, the state government had approved the construction of an administrative complex, workshops and additional student hostels as part of efforts to enhance teaching, practical training and students' welfare.
The commissioner also urged members of staff to justify government's investment by remaining dedicated to their responsibilities, maintaining regular attendance and delivering quality service that would sustain the institution's growth.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Higher Education, Mrs. Felicia Rone-Orugboh, commended the staff for their commitment and encouraged them to remain focused on their mandate.
She reminded lecturers that their responsibilities extend beyond classroom instruction to mentoring and shaping the character of students, urging them to continue serving as positive role models.
Earlier, the Rector of the Delta State Maritime Polytechnic, Burutu, Prof. James Okoro, expressed appreciation to the Oborevwori administration for its sustained investment in the institution.
He assured the commissioner that the management and staff would continue to pursue academic excellence and practical maritime training in line with the government's vision of building one of Nigeria's foremost maritime institutions.
