By Bon Peters
A beneficiary of the Andoni Local Government Maritime scholarship scheme, Mr Ukotije Hezekiah, has emerged as the 2023 best-graduating student of Charkin Maritime Academy.
At the passing out parade/convocation ceremony weekend in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Capital, Mr Erastus Awortu, Chairman of the area council and initiator of the program, lauded cadets for putting in commensurate efforts in their respective courses of study.
Mr Awortu said that upon commencement of his administration in 2021, he unveiled the Maritime scholarship scheme.
According to him, 15 students (4 females and 11 males), who successfully completed the scholarship requirements, were enrolled into Charkin Maritime Academy for a two-year Diploma Course in Marine Engineering and Nautical Science.
Continuing, he said, “The scholarship is a part of my administration’s efforts to tackle unemployment and youth restiveness in our communities.
“I’m so happy having one of our cadets as the best-graduating student; I feel like a fulfilled father especially considering the uniqueness of this program and the performances of our cadets; I am very optimistic that their employment is guaranteed.”
He further stated that their next training would be a one-year ‘sea time’, which would avail them of practical experience even as he insisted he was sure that after the training, they would be employed.
“We will keep monitoring and also supporting them to ensure their dreams are actualized,” Mr Awortu added.
Dr Charles Wami, the founder/proprietor of the institute, commended the three council Chairmen of Andoni, Port Harcourt City and Obio/Akpor for taking advantage of the school’s academic program and for sponsoring students from their respective local government areas.
He said though the training cost was huge, the overall gain in terms of human capacity and employability cannot be quantified.
He, however, noted that the institution has not been able to fill its government-allotted quota in terms of student admission, adding that, out of 160 students in the 2023 academic session, only eight students were admitted representing 5 per cent of its quota.
The proprietor urged government and corporate bodies to take advantage of opportunities provided by the institution while also adding that 29 graduands were awarded the National Diploma in Maritime Engineering and Nautical Science during the ceremony.
Meanwhile, graduands and parents of beneficiaries of the local government scholarship have commended their council chairmen for funding the program.
On his part, Hezekiah, the best-graduating student, commended the Andoni council Chairman. He attributed his success to dedication and hard work, noting that consistency in the funding of the program provided a stress-free study experience.
Modupe Gbadeyanka