UNILORIN unveil blue economy centre named after Oyetola
The University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) has taken a decisive step to boost Nigeria’s maritime sector by establishing and officially unveiling the Adegboyega Oyetola Centre for Blue and Regenerative Economy.
The new research hub was named in honour of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola recognizing his pivotal role in advancing the nation’s blue economy agenda.
The unveiling took place on Thursday during the university’s 1st Distinguished Lecture and Conferment of Award Ceremony, organised by the UNILORIN Centre for Advancement.
The newly established centre will serve as a hub dedicated to promoting research, innovation, and sustainable development in Nigeria’s maritime and coastal sectors. It is designed to link academic inquiry directly with national development goals, particularly the sustainable management of Nigeria’s vast marine and inland water resources.
During the event, UNILORIN conferred the Award of Honorary Fellow of the Centre for Management and Leadership on Dr. Oyetola, alongside Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who also received an Honorary Fellowship. The university cited the Minister’s exceptional contributions to national development, public service, and visionary leadership as the basis for the honour.
Delivering the maiden Distinguished Lecture titled “The Nexus Between Blue Economy and Higher Education for Sustainable Development in Nigeria,” Dr. Oyetola described the blue economy as a transformative pathway for sustainable national growth.
He emphasized that Nigeria’s 853-kilometre coastline and extensive waterways offer immense potential for economic diversification, job creation, and food security.
The Minister commended UNILORIN for its foresight in establishing the new Centre, hailing it as a milestone.
He assured the university of his Ministry’s full support in advancing the Centre’s goals of promoting sustainable marine management, policy innovation, and youth capacity building.
Oyetola also highlighted the immediate impact of ongoing reforms in his Ministry, revealing that sectoral revenue had soared from ₦700.79 billion in 2023 to ₦1.39 trillion in 2024, achieved through efficiency and transparency reforms rather than tariff increases.
He pointed to initiatives like the National Seafarers Development Programme, which trains 1,000 youths annually, as well as efforts to modernize ports, develop deep-sea ports, and expand aquaculture.
In his remarks, Vice-Chancellor Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole (SAN) congratulated the honourees, expressing pride in recognizing leaders whose contributions have strengthened governance and sustainable development in Nigeria.
The event formally concluded with the unveiling of the Adegboyega Oyetola Centre, which is poised to become a key academic player in Nigeria’s blue economy future.