Joyce Mmereole Okoli
A leading maritime law firm, Akabogu Law, has awarded a ₦450,000 scholarship for further studies to Miss Adoga Joyce Ohekwuru, the Best Graduated Maritime Student in Nautical Science, as part of its corporate social responsibility initiative.
Miss Adoga, a graduate of Delta State Maritime Polytechnic, completed her National Diploma in Nautical Science in 2023 with a Distinction, recording an impressive cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.76.
She was identified and honoured by Platforms Communications during the 9th edition of A Day With Nigerian Maritime Students (AMSAY) held earlier this year, where she emerged as one of the recipients of the Best Graduated Maritime Students Award (BEGMASA).
Her recognition followed her selection among top-performing maritime graduates and her invitation to the 2025 AMSAY Conference, where she formally received the award. It was during the conference, chaired by the Senior Partner of Akabogu Law, Dr. Emeka Akabogu, SAN, that discussions highlighted the challenges faced by many maritime graduates who are unable to progress professionally due to the high cost of mandatory STCW certifications.
In response, Akabogu Law approved the sponsorship of Miss Adoga’s mandatory professional training to support her career advancement within the maritime sector. The ₦450,000 scholarship covers key STCW basic and professional courses, including Elementary First Aid, Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities, Personal Survival Techniques, Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting, Basic Training for Oil and Chemical Tanker Cargo Operations, Medical Care, Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (Other Than Fast Rescue Boat), International Safety Management (ISM) Code training, and Security Awareness Training for All Port Facility Personnel.
Miss Adoga has already commenced the training, completing the first batch of courses at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, between October and December 2025. She is expected to complete the remaining courses in the first quarter of 2026.
Speaking in Uyo during the official presentation of the scholarship, Dr. Emeka Akabogu, SAN, said the firm’s CSR focus is on providing educational support to high-performing but financially constrained individuals whose development can positively impact Nigeria’s maritime industry. He noted that Miss Adoga met this profile and urged her to make the most of the opportunity through diligence and commitment.
The Convener of the AMSAY Conference, Mr. Sylvanus Obasi, commended Akabogu Law for the intervention, describing it as a timely and significant boost to the beneficiary’s career development. He noted that Miss Adoga’s experience mirrors the reality faced by many maritime graduates who struggle to fund mandatory certifications required for sea time and professional growth.
Obasi added that the scholarship underscores one of the core objectives of the AMSAY Conference, providing a platform for students to engage industry practitioners, share challenges, and receive meaningful support while expressing continued interest in monitoring Miss Adoga’s career progression.
In her response, Miss Adoga expressed gratitude to Akabogu Law, describing the scholarship as a critical intervention in her professional journey. She emphasised that completing the mandatory STCW certifications is essential for securing sea time placement and launching a successful maritime career, and pledged to justify the investment through dedication and excellence.
She also encouraged other maritime students to remain focused on academic excellence, professional discipline and constructive engagement with relevant industry platforms.
Recall that during the 9th AMSAY Conference, Miss Adoga received an Award of Academic Excellence from Platforms Communications and a ₦50,000 cash prize from the award sponsor, Capt. Segun Akanbi.
Upon completing the sponsored trainings, she is expected to proceed for sea time training before sitting for her Certificate of Competence (COC) examination, which will further enhance her employment prospects within the maritime sector.