A leading maritime law firm, Akabogu Law, has awarded a ₦450,000 scholarship for further professional studies to Miss Adoga Joyce Ohekwuru, the Best Graduated Maritime Student in Nautical Science, in a move aimed at supporting talent development within Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Miss Adoga, a graduate of Delta State Maritime Polytechnic, completed her National Diploma in Nautical Science in 2023 with Distinction, graduating with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.76. She was identified through the Best Educated Graduated Maritime Students Award (BEGMASA) initiative and honoured at the 9th edition of A Day With Nigerian Maritime Students (AMSAY), organised by Platforms Communications, where she later received the award at the 2025 AMSAY Conference.
The scholarship intervention followed discussions at the conference, chaired by the Senior Partner of Akabogu Law, Dr Emeka Akabogu, which highlighted the financial challenges faced by many maritime graduates in completing mandatory Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) courses required for career progression.
In response, Akabogu Law approved the sponsorship of Miss Adoga’s mandatory and professional maritime training as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
The ₦450,000 scholarship covers key STCW 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; International Safety Management (ISM) Code training; and Security Awareness Training for Port Facility Personnel.
Miss Adoga has already completed the first batch of these courses at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron between October and December 2025, and is scheduled to conclude the remaining programmes in the first quarter of 2026.
Presenting the scholarship fund in Uyo, Dr Akabogu said the firm’s CSR focus is on educational support for high-performing but financially disadvantaged individuals capable of contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s maritime industry. He encouraged the beneficiary to maximise the opportunity and remain focused on her professional goals.
Also speaking, the Convener of the AMSAY Conference, Mr Sylvanus Obasi, commended Akabogu Law for the timely intervention, describing it as a practical response to the challenges confronting maritime graduates who struggle to meet the cost of mandatory certifications required for sea time and career advancement.
“This support confirms that one of the objectives of the AMSAY Conference—connecting students with industry practitioners who can offer solutions—has been realised,” Obasi said, adding that the organisers would continue to monitor Miss Adoga’s career progression.
Expressing her gratitude, Miss Adoga described the scholarship as a critical boost to her professional development, noting that completion of STCW certifications is essential for securing sea time placement and launching a maritime career. She assured the sponsors of her commitment and advised other maritime students to prioritise academic excellence, discipline and engagement with relevant industry platforms.
At the 9th AMSAY Conference, Miss Adoga also received an Award of Academic Excellence from Platforms Communications, alongside a ₦50,000 cash prize sponsored by Capt. Segun Akanbi. Upon completion of her remaining courses, she is expected to proceed for sea time training ahead of her Certificate of Competence (COC) examination, opening further employment opportunities within the maritime sector.
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