From Tony John, Port Harcourt
Mr Ukotije Hezekiah, a beneficiary of Andoni Local Government Area ‘Maritime scholarship scheme’, has emerged 2023 best graduating student of Charkin Maritime Academy.
At the passing out parade and convocation ceremony on Saturday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, council chairman and initiator of the programme, Mr. Erastus Awortu, lauded cadets for putting in commensurable efforts in their respective courses of study.
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, respectively.
“The scholarship is a part of my administration’s efforts to tackle unemployment and youth restiveness in our communities.
“Considering the uniqueness of this programme and performances of our cadets, I am very optimistic that the their employment is guaranteed.
“Their next training will be a one year ‘sea time’ which will avail them practical experience and I am sure that after the training, they will be employed.
“We will keep monitoring, and also supporting them to ensure their dreams are achieved.”
Founder and Proprietor of the institute Mr Charles Wami commended the three council chairmen of Andoni, Port Harcourt City and Obio/Akpor for sponsoring students from their respective domains.
He, however, noted that the institution has not been able to fill its government allotted quota in terms of students 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 corperate bodies to take advantage of opportunities provided by the institution while also adding that 29 graduands were awarded 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 programme.