IMION , ADUN SIGN HISTORIC PARTNERSHIP TO BOOST NIGERIA’S BLUE ECONOMY

IMION, ADUN Sign Historic Partnership to Boost Nigeria’s Blue Economy

By Babatunde Aremu

Nigeria’s maritime sector is set for a major boost as the *International Maritime Institute of Nigeria, IMION*, and the *Admiralty University of Nigeria, ADUN*, have formalized a historic technical partnership to deepen capacity and unlock the potential of the nation’s blue economy.

The alliance was unveiled during IMION’s maiden official visit to the ADUN campus in Ibusa, Delta State. The collaboration brings together two institutions rooted in the traditions of the Nigerian Navy to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world maritime practice.

During the visit, the IMION Director-General, *Rear Admiral Thaddeus Christopher Udofia, Rtd, Ph.D*, presented the institute’s strategic roadmap to the ADUN Vice-Chancellor, *Professor Christopher Bankole Ndubuisi Ogbogbo*.

“This visit marks a new vista in our quest for excellence,” Rear Admiral Udofia stated. “We are engineering a powerful synergy to deepen local capacity, shape industry regulations, and unlock the immense billion-dollar potential of Nigeria’s blue economy for national development.”

Dr. Udofia commended the transformational strides and massive infrastructural expansion at ADUN, describing the ongoing campus modernization as remarkable and strategic.

Established in June 2024 by the Nigerian Navy, IMION has already trained over 500 C-suite executives and top government policymakers.

Under the new pact, the institutions will introduce specialized executive programs effective *September 2026*, designed to advance global maritime knowledge and transition from theory to concrete field practice.

IMION has also officially invited ADUN’s leadership to its high-profile Executive Course:

The program is scheduled to run from *September 7 to 9, 2026*, at the IMION Auditorium, NNS QUORRA Complex in Apapa, Lagos. Hybrid and virtual attendance options will be available for local and international participants.

In his response, Professor Ogbogbo welcomed the IMION delegation, noting that the alliance aligns perfectly with the University’s capacity-building needs.

“This partnership is exceptionally timely,” Professor Ogbogbo stated. “ADUN will harvest profound benefits from IMION’s practical field knowledge, joint research opportunities, and advanced manpower development. This institutional support will immediately include the engagement of distinguished adjunct professors and visiting maritime scholars.”

He also announced that ADUN naval architecture students will embark on an educational tour of shipbuilding facilities in Lagos and Port Harcourt to gain first-hand technical exposure.