UNN Committed To Supporting Research, Innovation—VC.

The vice chancellor of the University of Nigeria (UNN), Nsukka, Professor Simon Ortuanya, has pledged the commitment of the institution to research and innovation.

He made the pledge on Wednesday at the 3rd International Conference of the Institute of Maritime Studies (HYBRID) held at the Central Bank of Nigeria Center of Excellence located at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus.(UNEC).

Ortuanya, who was represented by the deputy vice chancellor, Professor Josephat Onwunere, said UNN remains committed to supporting strategic engagement that contribute to national development and global relevance.

“As a university, we remain committed to supporting research, innovation, and strategic engagement that contribute to national development and global relevance.

“The Institute of Maritime Studies continues to exemplify this vision, positioning the University of Nigeria as a key contributor to maritime scholarship and policy dialogue,” he said.

He noted that this year’s theme: “From Global Maritime Regulations to Tangible Actions: Driving Sustainable Operations in the African Maritime Sector,” captures a fundamental challenge of our time: the transition from normative frameworks and models to practical implementation.

He stated that across the world, maritime regulations, whether relating to environmental protection, safety, trade facilitation, or security, have evolved rapidly.

“However, the real test lies not in the existence of these frameworks, but in their domestication, enforcement, and measurable impact, particularly within developing maritime economies like Nigeria.

“For Africa, and Nigeria in particular, the maritime sector remains a critical pillar for economic growth, regional integration, and sustainable development. Our ports, shipping systems, coastal resources and blue economy initiatives must not only comply with international standards but must also be innovative, inclusive, and environmentally responsible. Conferences such as this serve as vital platforms where academia, policy, and industry intersect, allowing us to interrogate existing systems, share experiences, and co-create solutions that are both globally informed and locally adaptable,” he stated.

Earlier in an opening remarks, the director of the Center For Maritime Studies,(UNEC) Professor Florence Orabueze , had explained that the conference was not merely an academic convening but a convergence of minds, a meeting of purpose and a reaffirmation of their collective responsibility toward a sector that remains the lifeblood of global commerce and a catalyst for sustainable development.

She further stated that the Institute of Maritime Studies was founded upon a clear and forward-looking vision to serve as a bridge between knowledge and practice, between law and policy, and between academic inquiry and industry realities, adding that what t began as an aspiration has, through dedication and strategic focus, evolved into a centre of excellence distinguished by intellectual rigour, interdisciplinary collaboration and practical relevance.

“Today, we are proud to reflect on a trajectory marked by meaningful accomplishments. The Institute has established a robust academic architecture that integrates maritime law, business, logistics. environmental governance, tourism, engineering, and blue economy studies into a coherent and impactful framework. The Institute has a rapidly growing number of students who have embarked on our expanded rooster of PGD, MSC and PHD courses.

“We have nurtured several sets of scholars and professionals equipped not only with theoretical insight but with the competence required to navigate an increasingly complex maritime sector.

‘Beyond the confines of the classroom, the Institute has steadily strengthened its engagement with key stakeholders, government agencies, industry leaders, and international partners, thereby positioning itself as a respected voice in maritime discourse.

“Our contributions to scholarship and policy dialogue, through publications, conferences and collaborative initiatives, continue to shape conversations and influence practice within the sector.

“With our annual workshops and conferences as well as our journal, the University of Nigeria Maritime Studies and Research Journal, we have consistently given scholars an opportunity to learn and showcase their ideas,” she stated.