Rivers State Government has re-iterated its determination to partner with Amet University Chennai in India through Public Private Partnership for the immediate take-off of the Maritime Academy project. Speaking in an interactive session on the take-off of the Institution this academic session, the Hon. Commissioner for Employment Generation and Empowerment, Dr. Ipalibo Macdonald Harry said that it is the intention of the government to bring the Nigerian child to the same level with his counterpart in India and other parts of the world in maritime Business.
Hon. Harry said that the State Government will operate the Amet Maritime University in two campuses at Isaka and Okrika respectively with Okrika as off-campus. The Commissioner stressed that some facilities are already for the commencement of the school by next academic session. He enjoined Amet India University to streamline its area of partnering with the State to make the venture function harmoniously.
Responding Captain Suresh Bhardwaj, the Vice Chancellor of Amet University India disclosed that he was in the state to conduct preliminary studies on the modalities to establish the school. He promised to provide the necessary infrastructural facilities to equip the science laboratory and library for the students. Captain Bhardwaj maintained that each classroom to be constructed will accommodate at least fifteen students.
He stressed that the first semester courses will include Physics, Mathematics and English Language. Captain Bhardwaj recalled that the institution started first in India in 1990 with courses in Nautical Science, Shipbuilding and Engineering with skill training. He emphasised that employment opportunities were made available to the students globally on graduation and assured that such opportunities will be applicable in Rivers State.
In his speech the General Manager, Human Capital Development in Rivers State Sustainable Development Authority (RSSDA) Mr. Godwin Poi said that the State Government has approved the establishment of the Amet Maritime University in Port Harcourt with the joint partnership of RSSDA, Petroquake, the ministry and disclosed that the investment demands immediate take-off.
Other dignities present include the Head of Service, Barr. Samuel T. LongJohn, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs. Comfort Iragunima, the Co-ordinator Able Seamanship on Maritime in the Ministry, Mr. Lawrence Berewariso, Executive Director RSSDA, Mr. Noble Pepple and the Head of Skills Development, RSSDA, Mr. Luke Tonye.
High point of the occasion was a warm reception of the Cadets of Rivers State Indigenes studying in Amet University India who recently were in the State on holiday.
