IMION HOSTS STUDENTS OF OBAFEMI AWOLOWO UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS ON EDUCATIONAL VISIT
In a significant effort to foster academic collaboration and enhance maritime knowledge, the International Maritime Institute of Nigeria (IMION) hosted 300-level International Relations students from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, for a two-day educational visit. Sponsored by the Department of International Relations, OAU, the visit featured a blend of expert lectures, facility tours and interactive engagements with maritime professionals.
STRATEGIC INSIGHTS FROM IMION LEADERSHIP
During a keynote address, Rear Admiral Thaddeus Christopher Udofia (rtd), Director General of IMION, emphasized Nigeria’s pivotal role in global maritime affairs. He highlighted the interconnectedness of international diplomacy and maritime security, calling on the students described as future ambassadors, policymakers, and analysts to harness their academic training in shaping the nation’s maritime future.
Admiral Udofia provided an overview of Nigeria’s foreign policy in the Gulf of Guinea, centered on regional cooperation, deterrence of piracy, marine resource protection and trade facilitation among others. He also shared IMION’s mission to support national development through research, capacity building and inter-agency partnerships, noting the Institute’s extensive training of personnel from the Nigerian Armed Forces, Customs, Immigration and other strategic sectors.
EXPERT LECTURE ON MARITIME SECURITY IN THE GULF OF GUINEA
A key highlight of the visit was a lecture delivered by Dr. Ifesinachi Okafor-Yarwood, a maritime security expert from the University of St Andrews, UK, titled “Nigeria’s Foreign Policy and Maritime Security in the Gulf of Guinea.”
Dr. Okafor-Yarwood identified major maritime threats, including:
- Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing.
- Piracy and armed robbery at sea.
- Trafficking of narcotics, arms and persons.
- Environmental degradation and pollution.
- Emerging cyber threats to maritime infrastructure.
While acknowledging the recent significant reductions in piracy incidents, she stressed the need for continued vigilance and regional coordination, especially with neighboring states. She advocated for:
- Strengthened inter-agency collaboration.
- Optimized legal and institutional reforms.
- Reinforced community-based engagement.
- Enhanced capacity building for security personnel.
- Modernized policies addressing the root causes of maritime insecurity.
ACADEMIC ENDORSEMENT AND INSTITUTIONAL APPRECIATION
Dr. David Ibukun, a senior lecturer from the Department of International Relations OAU, praised IMION for its cutting-edge research, practical training programs, and strategic contributions to Nigeria’s maritime advancement. He described the visit as deeply impactful for the students, bridging classroom theory with real-world application in the maritime domain.
A PLATFORM FOR LEARNING AND PARTNERSHIP
The visit underscores IMION’s commitment to serving as a National hub for maritime research, education, and stakeholder engagement. Through initiatives like this, the Institute continues to empower future leaders and promote sustainable solutions for Nigeria’s maritime sector. IMION is the Centre of Excellence for the Blue Economy and is committed to shaping the future of the maritime sector.
