A leading maritime law firm, Akabogu Law, has stepped in to bridge a critical funding gap in maritime education by awarding a N450,000 scholarship to Miss Adoga Joyce Ohekwuru, the Best Graduated Maritime Student in Nautical Science, to enable her complete mandatory professional certifications required for career progression.
Miss Adoga, a Distinction graduate of Delta State Maritime Polytechnic, completed her National Diploma in Nautical Science in 2023 with an outstanding CGPA of 3.76.
She was identified and honoured by Platforms Communications during the 9th edition of A Day With Nigerian Maritime Students (AMSAY), where she emerged as one of the recipients of the Best Graduated Maritime Students Award (BEGMASA).
The scholarship intervention followed discussions at the 2025 AMSAY Conference, chaired by Dr. Emeka Akabogu SAN, where stakeholders highlighted the challenges faced by many maritime graduates who are unable to fund the mandatory STCW basic courses required to proceed to sea time training and certification.
In response, Akabogu Law approved the sponsorship of Miss Adoga’s professional training as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative focused on educational support for high-performing but financially constrained talents in the maritime sector.
The N450,000 scholarship covers key STCW and professional courses, including Personal Survival Techniques, Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting, Elementary First Aid, Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities, as well as Oil and Chemical Tanker Cargo Operations, Medical Care, Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats, ISM Code training, and Security Awareness Training for Port Facility Personnel.
Miss Adoga has already completed the first batch of courses at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, between October and December 2025, and is scheduled to conclude the remaining trainings in the first quarter of 2026.
Presenting the scholarship in Uyo, Dr. Emeka Akabogu SAN, said the firm’s CSR prioritises individuals with the potential to make meaningful contributions to Nigeria’s maritime industry, urging the beneficiary to fully maximise the opportunity.
Convener of the AMSAY Conference, Mr. Sylvanus Obasi, commended Akabogu Law for the timely intervention, noting that Miss Adoga’s experience mirrors that of many graduates stalled by certification costs. He described the scholarship as a clear demonstration of AMSAY’s objective to connect students with industry support.
Expressing gratitude, Miss Adoga described the scholarship as a decisive boost to her career, affirming her commitment to excellence as she prepares for sea time training and eventual Certificate of Competence (COC) examination, which will open doors to employment within the maritime industry.
At the AMSAY Conference, Miss Adoga also received an Award of Academic Excellence from Platforms Communications and a N50,000 cash prize sponsored by Capt. Segun Akanbi.
