OAF Educators’ Summit: Experts Recommend Maritime Inclusion For Elementary School Curriculum
As part of efforts to expose Nigerian children to the immense opportunities in the marine and blue economy, maritime experts and educators have canvassed the introduction of maritime studies in the primary and secondary school curriculum across the nation.
This was one of the submissions at the 6th Educators and Maritime Stakeholders Roundtable organized by Ocean Ambassadors Foundation (OAF) on Monday at Radisson Blu hotel, Ikeja.
Speaking at the programme, the Federal Commissioner for the National Population Commission in Lagos, Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye, urged the Federal Government to incorporate Marine and Blue Economy subjects into Nigerian primary and secondary school curriculum.
Oladunjoye, at the event themed, “The Future of Nigeria’s Blue Economy with the Girl Child: The Educator’s Perspective,” emphasised the importance of introducing maritime education at elementary school levels as critical to stimulating interest in young children in the sector.
According to her, the activities of Ocean Ambassadors Foundation are commendable as they expose girls to ocean-related programmes, aiming to encourage them to consider careers in the expansive maritime sector.
Her words: “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.”
She suggested that relevant ministries could collaborate to develop a proposal for the Federal Ministry of Education, 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 coastlines, 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.
Also speaking, 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 the educators summit and Founder of OAF, Hon. (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.
While thanking the educators of all the students who participated in the quiz competition for their mentorship and support, she announced that “From a total registration of 1,853. We had 1,474 that wrote the quiz and 649 qualified for the next round. It was a 3-day event in celebration of the International Day of the GIRL CHILD. 202 students got to the finals and we have a winner with 95% – Uhie Pentecost.”
While the first position went to Uhie Pentecost from Babington Macaulay Junior Seminary, followed by Adekunfola Olowodola from Corona Secondary School Agbara and Olumide Makanju from Dowen College Lekki clinched second and third respectively.
Former Apapa Port Manager, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mrs Funmi Olotu, said that students should develop curiosity about the maritime industry and taught them A-Z terminology in shipping, while Mrs. Carol Ufere, former Port Manager in Port Harcourt, advised them to remain determined.
Ufere also shared her journey to becoming the first female port manager in NPA history.
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.
However, Lagos State Ministry of Education District 3 was also given an award for its consistent participation in OAF educational programmes.
