By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
Kogi State House of Assembly has called for the introduction Maritime Courses in some selected state-owned tertiary institutions and urged the state government to issue directive to that effect.
This followed the adoption of a motion moved by Hon. Bin Ebiya Shehu-Tijani (APC-Lokoja I) on the floor of the House during Wednesday plenary sitting at the Assembly Complex in Lokoja.
The motion was titled: “Motion calling on the State Government to introduce Maritime courses in selected tertiary institutions in Kogi State.”
Soliciting the support of his colleagues for the motion, Hon. Shehu-Tijani explained that a lot of academic and career benefits would be derived for the utmost good of the state from the maritime courses.
He said that the courses could be introduced in Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja; Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara and Kogi State University Kabba.
Accordingly to the Lawmaker, Lagos State has used its territorial and coastal advantage to introduce marine studies in some of its institutions and the decision has benefitted the indigenes in no small measures.
He therefore, prayed the House to adopt the motion and convey the House resolution to the Governing Boards of the selected institutions to commence the procedures for introduction of the maritime courses.
The Legislator also prayed that the House Standing Committee on Education to monitor the institutions and give necessary advice.
Supporting the motion, Hon Bode Ogunmola, (PDP-Ogori/Magongo) said since there is abundance of water in the state, introducing Maritime courses in some institutions would be of great advantage to the state.
Also supporting, Hon. AbuOnoru-Oiza Jibrin APC-Ajaokuta) and Hon. Otokiti Zakariya (APC-Okehi) enumerated the likely benefits of the Maritime courses to the state and her indigenes.
Ruling on the motion, Rt Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, stressed the importance of the bill, saying it would promote self-reliance among graduates of such courses and help check unemployment issues in the state.
The Speaker following voice votes adopted the motion but had to step down one of the prayers as he called for wide consultations among stakeholders. (Ends)