Okerenkoko—Dr. Godfrey Pondei is now the new Principal Assistant Registrar/Director of Partnership, Linkages and Collaborations in the Nigerian Maritime University (NMU), Okerenkoko, Delta State.
According to the Registrar of NMU, Dr. Alfred Mulade, Pondei “is required to deploy his training and experience in mobilising global partnerships capable of actualising the vision of the specialised university.”
Pondei, while speaking to our reporter, appreciated God for his elevation. He also thanked the management of the institution led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Munakurogha Adigio for the opportunity to serve.
He promised to discharge his duties, which cover seeking research partnerships, training collaborations and business opportunities for the university, staff and students, creditably with integrity and the fear of God.
Pondei opined that with the current sterling leadership, the institution would produce Nigerian professionals that will excel in the global blue economy.
He said the Directorate of Partnership, Linkages and Collaborations has already signed MOUs with some reputable institutions in Nigeria and abroad to provide short courses and postgraduate degrees in different areas related to maritime studies.
Some of the courses, he said, will be on maritime security, maritime disaster and risk management, maritime conflict resolution, maritime business development and management, among others.
“There are so many potentials in the Nigerian maritime sector that if maximally harnessed would create not only jobs for our teeming unemployed youths but also create immense revenue for the government.
“Already, some individuals, banks and lots of other organizations are willing to partner with the school and we believe this will help NMU to achieve its vision,” he said.
Reacting to his appointment, Mr. Selepre George, a social commentator in Bayelsa State described Pondei as eminently qualified for the position.
“I believe he will bring his wealth of experience to bear in the service of Niger Deltans and Nigerians in general,” he stated.
Before his appointment, Pondei was the Senior Legislative Aide (SLA) to the lawmaker representing Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Preye Oseke.
He holds a doctorate degree in International Relations (International Finance Major), and had acquired several years of public service experience both at the global stage and within Nigeria.
For about a decade, he worked as a Senior External Relations Officer in the Resource Mobilization Unit of the Health Systems & Services cluster at the World Health Organization (WHO) headquarters in Geneva-Switzerland.
Similarly, the bilingual professional was engaged as a Development Economist by the British Department For International Development (DFID) and seconded to the Conditional Grants Scheme in the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Nigerian President on Millennium Development Goals (now Sustainable Development Goals).
These are amongst numerous other international and local engagements from which Pondei is expected to draw experience in performing his duties.
