CSR: Akabogu Law Awards ₦450,000 Scholarship to Outstanding Maritime Graduate, Adoga Joyce
Akabogu Law, a leading maritime law firm, has awarded a ₦450,000 scholarship for further studies to Miss Adoga Joyce Ohekwuru, the Best Graduated Maritime Student in Nautical Science, in support of her professional development.
Adoga, a graduate of Delta State Maritime Polytechnic, completed her National Diploma in Nautical Science in 2023 with Distinction, recording an impressive Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.76. Her achievement earned her recognition by Platforms Communications during the 9th edition of A Day With Nigerian Maritime Students (AMSAY) held earlier in May, where she was shortlisted for and eventually received the Best Graduated Maritime Students Award (BEGMASA) at the 2025 AMSAY Conference.
The scholarship offer followed discussions at the event, which was chaired by the Senior Partner of Akabogu Law, Dr. Emeka Akabogu SAN, where it emerged that many maritime graduates, including Adoga, faced challenges in completing mandatory Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) basic courses due to financial constraints.
In response, Akabogu Law approved the sponsorship of Adoga’s mandatory professional training as part of the firm’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.
The ₦450,000 scholarship covers key courses required for career progression, including 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 Port Facility Personnel.
Adoga has already completed the first batch of these courses at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, between October and December 2025, and is scheduled to complete the remaining courses in the first quarter of 2026.
Presenting the scholarship fund in Uyo, Akabogu, explained that the firm’s CSR focus is on providing educational support to high-performing but financially challenged individuals who can positively impact Nigeria’s maritime industry. He noted that Adoga met this criterion and encouraged her to make the most of the opportunity.
The Convener of the AMSAY Conference, Mr. Sylvanus Obasi, commended Akabogu Law for the intervention, describing it as a timely and significant contribution to Adoga’s career development. He observed that her experience reflects the broader challenges faced by many maritime graduates who struggle to advance due to the high cost of mandatory professional certifications.
Expressing her gratitude, Adoga described the scholarship as a critical boost to her professional journey, noting that the completion of STCW certifications is essential for securing sea time placement and launching a career in the maritime sector. She pledged to apply herself diligently and encouraged other maritime students to pursue academic excellence, professional discipline, and active engagement with industry platforms.
It will be recalled that during the 9th AMSAY Conference, Adoga received an Award of Academic Excellence from Platforms Communications, alongside a ₦50,000 cash prize sponsored by Capt. Segun Akanbi. Upon completion of the sponsored courses, she is expected to proceed to sea time training before sitting for her Certificate of Competence (COC) examination, which will open further employment opportunities within the maritime industry.
