By Our Correspondent
A Federal Commissioner for the National Population Commission (NPC) in Lagos State, Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye, has urged the government to incorporate Marine and Blue Economy subjects into the primary and secondary school curriculum.
TheNewsZenith reports that Oladunjoye made the call at the 15th National Virtual Marine and Blue Economy Quiz Competition Awards in Lagos on Monday.
The theme of the event is “The Future of Nigeria’s Blue with the Girl Child: The Educator’s Perspective”.
NPC commissioner emphasised the importance of maritime education at the primary and secondary school levels, as being the critical stages of learning.
TheNewsZenith reports that Ocean Ambassador, an NGO, organised the quiz competition.
According to Oladunjoye, Ocean Ambassador is working to expose girls to ocean-related programmes. This is to encourage them to consider careers in the expansive maritime sector.
“There is a 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,” TheNewsZenith quotes Oladunjoye as saying.
She suggested that relevant ministries should collaborate to develop a proposal for the Federal Ministry of Education. This 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.
According to her, maritime study can 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 girls students to explore potential in the marine and blue economy.
Arofin noted that Nigeria has a long coastline, large lakes and an Atlantic shore.
These are well-suited to leverage the blue economy’s opportunities, which include fisheries, medical research, ICT, pharmaceuticals, transport and eco-tourism.
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She urged students to show interest in the blue economy industry, to tap from the $296 billion worth of potential.
Mrs Regina Fabamwo, Chairman of the Lagos State Civil Service Commission, corroborated the view of Arofin.
She said more educational institutions should include Maritime and Blue Economy studies in their curriculum.
Fabamwo noted that many maritime graduates are already seeking employment with the Lagos State Government.
“This is a demonstration of growing interest in the field,” she added.
Mrs Violet Williams, the convener of Ocean Ambassador, said that Nigeria, as a shipping nation, should actively engage in these prospects to become a hub for port origin and destination.
Williams suggested maritime tourism to allow students to gain hands-on experience in areas like shipbuilding, fisheries, aquaculture and other maritime fields.
“I would like to thank the educators of all the students who participated in the quiz competition for their mentorship and support,” she said.
TheNewsZenith reports that 20 schools participated in the quiz competition, with the top five students receiving gifts and awards.
The first position went to Uhie Pentecost from Babington Macaulay Junior Seminary.
They were followed by Adekumfola Olowodola and Olumide Makanju from Bowen College in second and third positions respectively.
Other top students included Moranyooluwa Adeniyi from Corona School and Mercy Oluwatimileyin from Methodist Girls High School.
Former Manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mrs Funmi Olotu, advised students to develop curiosity about the maritime industry.
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.
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