Leading maritime law firm, Akabogu Law, has awarded a ₦450,000 scholarship for further studies to Miss Adoga Joyce Ohekwuru, the Best Graduated Maritime Student in Nautical Science, as part of its corporate social responsibility initiative.
Miss Adoga was identified and honoured by Platforms Communications during the 9th edition of A Day With Nigerian Maritime Students held in May, where she emerged as the Best Graduated Maritime Students Award (BEGMASA) recipient. She was subsequently invited to the 2025 AMSAY Conference, during which she formally received the award.
A graduate of Delta State Maritime Polytechnic, Miss Adoga completed her National Diploma in Nautical Science in 2023, graduating with Distinction after recording a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.76. Her academic performance placed her among a select group of outstanding maritime graduates shortlisted for the BEGMASA recognition.
During the conference, which had the Senior Partner of Akabogu Law, Dr. Emeka Akabogu, SAN, as Chairman, discussions revealed that several maritime graduates, including Miss Adoga, face challenges in advancing their careers due to the high cost of mandatory Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) courses.
In response, Akabogu Law approved the sponsorship of Miss Adoga’s mandatory professional training, covering courses required for career progression within the maritime industry. The ₦450,000 scholarship covers 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 (Other than Fast Rescue Boat), International Safety Management (ISM) Code training, and Security Awareness Training for All Port Facility Personnel.
Miss Adoga has already completed the first batch of the mandatory courses at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, between October and December 2025, and is expected to complete the remaining programmes in the first quarter of 2026.
Speaking in Uyo during the formal presentation of the scholarship to the beneficiary, Dr. Akabogu explained that the firm’s CSR focus is on providing educational support to high-performing but financially constrained individuals whose development can positively impact Nigeria’s maritime industry. He noted that Miss Adoga met this profile and urged her to maximise the opportunity through diligence and commitment to her professional goals.
Also speaking, the Convener of the AMSAY Conference, Mr. Sylvanus Obasi, commended Akabogu Law for the intervention, describing the scholarship as a significant boost to Miss Adoga’s career development. He noted that her experience reflects the situation of many maritime graduates who are unable to proceed after their diploma programmes due to the financial demands of mandatory professional certifications.
“I am pleased that one of the objectives of the AMSAY Conference—providing a platform for students to engage industry practitioners and receive support—has been realised in the case of Miss Joyce,” Obasi said, adding that the organisers would continue to monitor her career progression.
In her response, Miss Adoga expressed appreciation to Akabogu Law for the support, describing the scholarship as a critical intervention in her professional journey. She noted that completion of the mandatory STCW certifications is essential for securing sea time placement and commencing a career at sea, and pledged to justify the investment through dedication and discipline.
She also advised other maritime students seeking similar opportunities to remain focused on academic excellence, professional conduct and constructive engagement with relevant industry platforms.
Recall that during the 9th AMSAY Conference, Miss Adoga received an Award of Academic Excellence from Platforms Communications and a ₦50,000 cash prize from the award sponsor, Capt. Segun Akanbi.
Upon completion of the mandatory and professional courses covered by the scholarship, Miss Adoga is expected to proceed to sea time training before sitting for her Certificate of Competence (COC) examination, a step that would open up further employment opportunities within the maritime sector.
