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The Naval Institute of Technology Ogorode, Sapele, Delta State, has successfully trained 88 military officers across diverse technical fields. Among them, 46 are now experts in marine engineering, 27 have honed their skills in weapon electrical systems, and 15 are proficient in automobile engineering, showcasing the institute’s commitment to fostering technical excellence within the military.
At the inaugural convocation and graduation ceremony held on Saturday, which celebrated the achievements of 88 graduates who completed intensive training, Rear Admiral Istifanus Abara, represented by Rear Admiral Baratuaipri Iyalla, highlighted the institute’s vital role in shaping future technologists. Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour, he praised the Navy’s unwavering focus on fostering innovation and advancing human capacity to meet modern challenges.
He underscored that the graduates were well-equipped to both operate and oversee the cutting-edge systems vital to the Navy’s maritime capabilities. Rear Admiral Baratuaipri Iyalla echoed these sentiments, commending Chief of Naval Staff Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla for his relentless efforts in bolstering the Navy’s technological advancements.
He stressed the importance of adopting advanced technologies such as drones, aircraft, and maritime domain awareness systems to protect Nigeria’s vital oil and gas infrastructure. “Innovation and the continuous development of human capacity are essential pillars in safeguarding our nation’s critical assets,” he remarked.
“Initially established in 1982 as the Nigerian Navy Technical Training Centre the Naval Institute of Technology has undergone a remarkable transformation
“From providing “Artificer-styled” training tailored to ship maintenance, it has evolved into a distinguished centre of excellence accredited by the National Board for Technical Education.
“Today, NIT offers National Diploma programmes in Marine and Electrical/Electronic Engineering and Higher National Diploma programmes with specialities in Electronics, Telecommunications, and Power and Machines,” he said.
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Rear Admiral Sunday Oyegade, Commandant of NIT, expressed the institute’s steadfast dedication to maintaining international standards, highlighting its mission to nurture expertise that aligns with global demands.
“The NBTE accreditation ensures our curriculum is robust, blending theoretical knowledge with practical expertise, equipping our graduates to thrive within the Navy and beyond,” the Commandant stated
Oyegade urged the new graduates to uphold the values of excellence and service in their naval careers and beyond.
He said, “This marks the beginning of new opportunities. Let your contributions reflect the high standards of this institution.”
Speaking further, Oyegade outlined ambitious plans to transform NIT into a full-fledged polytechnic accessible to civilians
He explained that this vision aligns with the Navy’s broader strategy of promoting excellence and innovation while collaborating with institutions such as the Tertiary Education Trust Fund.
In a keynote address themed “Harnessing Emerging Technologies for Contemporary Nigerian Navy Operations: The Role of Naval Engineering”, retired Commodore Uba Ajala, highlighted the critical role of artificial intelligence and innovation in maritime security and encouraged graduates to remain adaptive and forward-thinking.
