Felix Otaru, Lokoja
Member representing Lokoja One State Constituency in the Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Bin-Ebaiya Shehu Tijani has called on Kogi State Government to introduce Maritime Courses in some selected tertiary institutions across the State.
Hon Bin Ebiya Shehu Tijani made this call while moving a motion he raised on the floor of the House during plenary of Kogi State House of Assembly in Lokoja.
The Lawmaker explained that there are lots of academic and career benefits if maritime courses are introduced in Kogi State Polytechnic, Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara and Kogi State University Kabba as well as that of Kabba.
Accordingly to him, Lagos State has harnessed the abundance of water bodies to its advantage by introducing marine courses in some institutions and it has benefitted indigenes as well as government in no small measure.
He prayed the House convey the resolution to the Governing Boards of such selected institutions for possible commencement of the maritime courses.
Also, he prayed the House Standing Committee on Education monitor the institutions and give necessary advice where required.
Some lawmakers spoke in favour of the motion titled ” Motion calling on the State Government to introduce Maritime Courses in selected Tertiary Institutions in Kogi State.”
Hon Bode Ogunmola, representative of Ogori/Magongo state constituency who said no knowledge is lost and one seeks for it every day ,said since there is abundance of water in the state, introducing maritime courses in some institutions would be of great advantage to the state .
In the same vein, Hon Abu Jibril of Ajaokuta state constituency and Hon Otokiti Zakariya of Okehi state constituency supported the motion by itemizing the benefits to the state and her indigenes.
Responding, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Umar Yusuf stressed the importance of the bill, saying it will empower graduates of such courses to be self reliant thereby adding value to themselves and to the State.
The House however upheld prayer one and stepped down prayer two as the Speaker directed there should be robust interface on the motion with the major stakeholders.
