The University of Ilorin has conferred an Honorary Fellowshipv on the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to national development, leadership, and public service.
The conferment took place on Thursday at the University Auditorium during the institution’s first Distinguished Lecture and Conferment of Award Ceremony, organised by the UNILORIN Centre for Advancement.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State was also honoured with an Honorary Fellowship during the ceremony, which was attended by top dignitaries, including representatives of the Kwara State Government, traditional rulers, members of the University Governing Council, the Vice-Chancellor, principal officers, academics, and students.
A key highlight of the event was the unveiling of the Adegboyega Oyetola Centre for Blue and Regenerative Economy, established by the university to promote research, innovation, and sustainable development within Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy sectors.
The Centre was named after Dr. Oyetola in recognition of his leadership and his ministry’s ongoing efforts to position Nigeria’s marine and blue economy as a catalyst for sustainable growth and national prosperity.
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 to sustainable national growth.
He explained that Nigeria’s 853-kilometre coastline and extensive network of waterways hold enormous potential for economic diversification, job creation, and food security if effectively harnessed through innovation, education, and strong governance.
According to the Minister, the blue economy goes beyond exploiting marine resources; it integrates economic growth with environmental protection and social inclusion. He identified key sectors such as maritime transport, fisheries, aquaculture, coastal tourism, marine biotechnology, and renewable ocean energy as areas that can drive GDP growth.
Dr. Oyetola emphasised that higher education plays a critical role in unlocking these opportunities by producing skilled professionals and conducting research that supports sustainable marine practices. He urged Nigerian universities to align their academic programmes with industry needs and strengthen partnerships with government and the private sector.
The Minister revealed that reforms under his leadership had boosted sectoral revenue from ₦700.79 billion in 2023 to ₦1.39 trillion in 2024, achieved through improved efficiency and transparency rather than tariff increases. He described the growth as a reflection of accountability and policy-driven progress within the ministry.
He also highlighted key initiatives such as the National Seafarers Development Programme, which trains 1,000 youths annually for maritime careers, as well as the government’s investment in port modernisation, deep-sea port development, and aquaculture expansion to promote food security and reduce import dependency.
Oyetola further noted that public–private partnerships are vital to the success of Nigeria’s blue economy strategy, citing the Lekki Deep Sea Port as a model of effective collaboration. He added that new port projects are underway in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Ondo, and Rivers States to enhance trade and attract foreign investment.
The Minister commended the University of Ilorin for its forward-looking initiative in establishing the Centre for Blue and Regenerative Economy, describing it as a milestone in linking academia with national development and sustainable resource management.
He pledged the full support of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to the university, assuring that the collaboration would foster innovation, youth capacity building, and the advancement of Nigeria’s maritime research ecosystem.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole (SAN), congratulated Dr. Oyetola and Governor AbdulRazaq, describing them as exemplary leaders whose achievements continue to inspire progress in governance, education, and sustainable development.
The event concluded with the formal unveiling of the Adegboyega Oyetola Centre for Blue and Regenerative Economy, which is expected to serve as a hub for research, policy innovation, and collaboration toward sustainable management of Nigeria’s marine and coastal resources.
