The Chief Dr Wellington O. Okirika Foundation, in collaboration with the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, UMES, in the United States, has put in place plans to boost educational advancement in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria in critical fields of healthcare and engineering towards empowering the next generation of professionals in the region.

This was disclosed by the Secretary of the Foundation, Dr. Alfred Mulade, in a letter addressed to the Vice-Chancellors of some selected Nigerian universities, seeking their collaborative partnership with the Foundation and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, UMES, for the training of Niger Deltans.

In the letter, the Nigerian universities being targeted for their collaborative partnership are the Delta State University, Abraka; the Delta State University of Science and Technology, Orerokpe Campus; the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko; the Edwin Clark University, Kiagbodo; the Southern Delta University, Ozoro; the College of Education, Warri; all in Delta State, and the Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island in Bayelsa State.

According to Dr. Mulade, "At the end of the various courses, degree in Medicine, Engineering and Nursing will be issued in the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, USA. They are all American University Degrees," he stated.

Dr. Mulade, a former Registrar of the NMU, Okerenkoko, in  Delta State, said that the educational "initiative naturally builds upon the robust and fruitful relationship that Chief Wellington Okirika cultivated with UMES during his distinguished tenure as Chairman of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC).

"During that period, Chief Okirika was instrumental in facilitating the academic pursuits of over 70 scholars from the Niger Delta, who successfully undertook undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs at UMES across a diverse range of disciplines, including engineering, toxicology/environmental sciences, computer science, and organizational leadership," he stated.

Dr. Mulade, who noted that "This past collaboration stands as a testament to the mutual benefits and success that can be achieved through our joint efforts," further stated that "Given this history of successful engagement, Chief Okirika is keen for the Foundation to continue fostering educational advancement."

The Secretary of the Foundation appealed to the institutions to help facilitate the process by putting in place mechanisms to support the Foundation whose vision "is to forge a tripartite partnership between the Chief Wellington Okirika Foundation, UMES, and local universities in Nigeria, specifically aimed at developing comprehensive training programs in healthcare and engineering," he buttressed.

He said that the Foundation and its sponsor looks forward to engaging with the institutions "to discuss this proposal further and would greatly appreciate the opportunity to meet with key leaders and stakeholders at the university" as "Such a meeting would allow us to elaborate on our objectives and collectively chart a path forward for this impactful collaboration."

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