Akabogu Law, a foremost maritime law firm in Nigeria, has awarded a ₦450,000 scholarship for further professional studies to Miss Adoga Joyce Ohekwuru, an outstanding graduate of Nautical Science, as part of efforts to support human capital development in the maritime sector.
The scholarship was awarded to Miss Adoga following her emergence as the Best Graduated Maritime Student in Nautical Science at the 9th edition of A Day With Nigerian Maritime Students (AMSAY), organised by Platforms Communications and held earlier in May 2025.
Miss Adoga, a graduate of Delta State Maritime Polytechnic, completed her National Diploma in Nautical Science in 2023 with Distinction, attaining an impressive Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.76.
Her academic excellence earned her a place among a select group of graduates shortlisted for the Best Graduated Maritime Students Award (BEGMASA), culminating in her invitation to the 2025 AMSAY Conference, where she was formally honoured.
The scholarship offer emerged during the conference, which had the Senior Partner of Akabogu Law, Dr Emeka Akabogu, SAN, as Chairman.
Discussions at the event brought to the fore the challenges confronting many maritime graduates who, despite strong academic records, are unable to progress due to the high cost of mandatory professional training required under the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Convention.
Moved by the situation and in line with its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitment, Akabogu Law approved the sponsorship of Miss Adoga’s mandatory professional training to enable her advance her maritime career.
The ₦450,000 scholarship covers essential STCW courses, including Elementary First Aid, Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities, Personal Survival Techniques, and Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting.
Other courses funded under the scholarship include 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 Port Facility Personnel.
Miss Adoga has already commenced the training and completed the first batch of the courses at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, between October and December 2025.
She is expected to complete the remaining professional courses in the first quarter of 2026, after which she will be eligible to proceed to sea time training.
Speaking during the presentation of the scholarship fund in Uyo, Dr Akabogu said the firm’s CSR focuses on supporting academically outstanding but financially constrained individuals whose development can positively impact Nigeria’s maritime industry.
He urged the beneficiary to take full advantage of the opportunity, stressing that diligence, discipline and commitment were key to achieving long-term professional success.
The Convener of the AMSAY Conference, Mr Sylvanus Obasi, commended Akabogu Law for the intervention, describing it as a practical response to a recurring challenge faced by young maritime professionals.
Obasi noted that many graduates are unable to proceed beyond their diploma programmes due to the financial demands of mandatory certifications, adding that the support given to Miss Adoga reflects one of AMSAY’s core objectives of bridging the gap between students and industry stakeholders.
In her response, Miss Adoga expressed deep appreciation to Akabogu Law, describing the scholarship as a timely intervention that would significantly shape her professional journey.
She said the completion of the mandatory STCW courses would enable her secure sea time placement and commence her maritime career, assuring that she would justify the investment through dedication and excellence.
Adoga also advised fellow maritime students to remain focused on academic excellence, professional discipline and active engagement with credible industry platforms.
Recall that at the 9th AMSAY Conference, Miss Adoga received an Award of Academic Excellence from Platforms Communications and a ₦50,000 cash prize donated by the award sponsor, Capt. Segun Akanbi.
It is expected that upon completion of the sponsored courses, she will proceed to sea time training and subsequently sit for her Certificate of Competence (COC) examination, opening broader employment opportunities within the maritime sector.
