Renowned maritime law firm Akabogu Law is investing in the future of the industry by championing exceptional talent. The firm has committed a ₦450,000 scholarship to Miss Adoga Joyce Ohekwuru, the top Nautical Science graduate identified and honored earlier this year by Platforms Communications. This initiative underscores Akabogu Law’s dedication to fostering academic excellence among Nigerian maritime students.
Joyce, a student of Delta State Maritime Polytechnic who completed her National Diploma in Nautical Science in 2023 and graduated with Distinction, having scored 3.76 in her Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA), the recognition followed her emergence as one of the few students shortlisted for the Best Graduated Maritime Students Award (BEGMASA) and her subsequent invitation by Platforms Communications to attend the 2025 AMSAY Conference, where she received the award.
Under the chairmanship of Dr. Emeka Akabogu, SAN, a stark reality emerged: a funding gap is stalling promising careers. It was revealed that many maritime graduates—Miss Adoga among them—cannot afford the mandatory STCW basic courses necessary to enter the workforce, effectively putting their professional ambitions on hold before they even begin.
In a statement released Monday, Akabogu Law Firm affirmed its commitment to community support by confirming the full sponsorship of Miss Adoga’s essential professional training as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program.
The scholarship, valued at ₦450,000, provides complete coverage for essential career progression courses. Miss Adoga’s training includes mandatory certifications in Personal Survival Techniques, Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting, Elementary First Aid, and Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities.
The scholarship recipient, Miss Adoga, has wasted no time in utilizing the award. She successfully finished the first phase of training at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron (October–December 2025) and is set to complete the final courses in Q1 2026.
Speaking at the official presentation ceremony in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Emeka Akabogu, SAN, Senior Partner, confirmed the firm’s CSR focuses on empowering academically gifted but financially disadvantaged individuals who can significantly impact the Nigerian maritime industry. Miss Adoga was identified as meeting this exact profile.
Dr. Akabogu urged the beneficiary to seize this critical opportunity, apply herself diligently, and strive to achieve her utmost professional objectives within the maritime industry.
In response, Mr. Sylvanus Obasi, Convener of the AMSAY Conference, highly commended Akabogu Law for the timely intervention, hailing the scholarship as a pivotal support system for Miss Adoga’s burgeoning career development.
However, Obasi highlighted that Miss Adoga’s experience mirrors the challenges faced by many aspiring maritime professionals. He noted a common barrier where students, post-diploma, struggle financially to secure essential professional certifications required for vital sea time and career advancement. His words:
“I am pleased that one of the objectives of the AMSAY Conference, which is to provide a platform where students can share their challenges with industry practitioners and receive support, has been realised in the case of Miss Joyce,” Obasi stated.
Visibly moved, Miss Joyce Ohekwuru Adoga, the scholarship beneficiary, expressed profound appreciation to Akabogu Law for their support, describing the intervention as a pivotal moment in her professional development.
She underscored that completing the mandatory STCW certifications is essential for securing vital sea time placement and launching a maritime career. Miss Adoga assured the firm she would apply herself with utmost commitment and dedication to fully justify the investment in her training.
Speaking further, Adoga offered advice to other maritime students: remain focused on academic excellence, uphold professional discipline, and engage constructively with relevant industry platforms to maximize opportunities.
Similarly it is worth noting that during the 9th AMSAY Conference, Miss Adoga was recognized as the Best Graduated Student in Nautical Science. She received an Award of Academic Excellence from Platforms Communications (event organisers) and a ₦50,000 cash prize sponsored by Capt. Segun Akanbi.
In conclusion, Following the completion of these professional courses, Miss Adoga is poised to commence her sea time training. This crucial step precedes the examination for her Certificate of Competence (COC), which will unlock significant employment opportunities within the dynamic maritime sector.
