The European American University-Common Wealth of Dominica, on Monday honoured the Rector of Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron , Amb. Joshua Okpo, with Honorary Doctor of Science in Engineering and Project Management.
The colourful event, which took place at the Conference Room of the University of Lagos, attracted members of the MAN, Oron community, officials of European American University, Common Wealth of Dominica, some staff and students of University of Lagos and a member of Maritime Academy of Nigeria Governing Council, Mr. Reuben Agwu, among others.
Speaking after decorating the Rector with full regalia of academic gown and presentation of certificate, the representative of European American University, Common-Wealth of Dominica, Dr. Luke Okoye, explained that the selection of Ambassador Joshua Okpo for the Honorary Doctorate degree in Science Engineering and Project Management was informed by the impressive strides his administration has recorded in the Academy, as well as his sustained drive towards making the Academy the first and the best in Africa.
Dr. Luke, who described Joshua Okpo as a pacesetter, patriotic Nigerian, astute administrator and a bridge builder, noted that the Rector’s clean record of dedicated public service has helped in shaping the landscape of Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron and putting it on the global Maritime map of reckoning.
Dr. Luke intimated the jubilant crowd at the venue of the event that he was highly impressed and humbled by the intimidating and unquestionable credentials and solid educational background of the awardee, and commended him for bringing his vast, varied experiences in the public service to bear in turning around the fortunes of the academy in the admiration of all relevant stakeholders in the Academy.
Luke, while congratulating the Rector on the Honorary Doctorate Degree- award bestowed on him, expressed optimism that the honour will further spur him to transform the Academy and pursue vigorously, the dream of securing degree awarding status for the Academy.
Luke however urged Ambassador Joshua Okpo to remain a good ambassador of European American University Common Wealth of Dominica, where ever he goes.
Mr. Reuben Agwu, who spoke on behalf of the Governing Council, described the Rector as a detribalized Nigerian who has repositioned the Academy in line with international best standards.
The Governing Council member disclosed that Ambassador Okpo’s administration and result-oriented leadership style has assisted the Governing Council in drawing the transformation agenda of President Jonathan in the Maritime industry.
While commenting on the doctorate degree award to the rector, Publisher of the South South Magazine, Ovie Edomi, described Ambassador Okpo as a role model and a workaholic with unwavering commitment towards the transformation of Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron as well as a pride to the Journalism profession having served as a Journalists/Editor before taking up a job in the public service.
Responding after receiving the Doctorate Certificate from the European University, Ambassador (Dr.) Joshua Okpo expressed gratitude to the European University, Common Wealth of Dominica for finding him fit for the honour and pledged to justify the confidence reposed in him by remaining resolute, steadfast and focused in driving the premier Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron to its apogee of greatness.
Dr. Joshua Okpo disclosed that he was sent to the Academy at the time the institution was enmeshed in succession crisis, but through God’s grace, he was able to calm frayed nerves, clean up the Academy and put it on the part of growth and progress.
He stated that his administration is now focusing on how to place the cadets on Sea time in order for them to acquire certificate of competence and also working assiduously to give the institution a degree-awarding status.
He enjoined all Nigerians to keep faith with the Country and remain very committed and patriotic to the development of the country.