Prof. Spencer, who, provided the insight while delivering the 9th Convocation Lecture of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa, Ondo State, Nigeria, insisted that infrastructure can be imported, capital mobilized, partnership negotiated, but institutional knowledge and maritime competence must be built from within to allow coherence to become possible.
Delivering the lecture titled "Strategies for Developing Blue Economy in Nigeria: Lessons from the Caribbean" held at the main campus of the University in Okitipupa on Tuesday, 3rd March, 2026, Prof. Spencer, represented by the Vice President of CMU, Prof. Ibrahim Ajaguna, argued that Caribbean's experience with port-led Blue Economy development illustrates a fundamental truth that infrastructure without deliberate human capital development produces continued and structural dependency.
"Caribbean states for long lacked indigenous expertise in port systems engineering, port economics and tariff regulation, advanced logistics analytics and digital port management. In reality, ownership of infrastructure did not always translate into control over operations, data or long-term strategic direction."
"This is why maritime universities and training institutions are not peripheral actors, but strategic national assets", Prof. Spencer maintained.
He posited that a sustainable blue economy requires the training of a workforce that spans the entire maritime value chain: seafarers who operate vessels safely and professionally, logisticians who design and manage complex port supply chain systems, policymakers who understand maritime law, ocean governance and trade dynamics and researchers who generate evidence to guide the sustainable use of marine resources.
The maritime expert, who anchored his lecture on what he titled three Cs of sustainable blue economy viz Capacity, Coherence and Collaboration proclaimed that maritime education must be industry-aligned, practice-driven and globally connected, stating that alignment ensures curricula evolve with global operational reality, while practical training bridges the gap between classroom theory and the lived environments of ports, vessels, logistics hubs and regulatory systems, as global connectivity enables graduates to function confidently within the international maritime ecosystem for national and regional prosperity.
He forewarned that countries that invest in physical assets without building local expertise risk becoming dependent on foreign operators.
On governance, the scholar highlighted the dangers of fragmented maritime administration.
According to him, ocean systems are naturally interconnected, but regulatory and enforcement structures are frequently siloed, weakening national control and limiting economic benefits, stating that policy alignment and institutional coordination were critical to safeguarding sovereignty.
He further cited the example of regional collaboration mechanisms within Caribbean states, noting that although dialogue platforms existed, the absence of unified operational systems for ocean management created regulatory gaps that external actors sometimes exploited.
Spencer also underscored the need to deliberately integrate small and medium-scale enterprises into maritime value chains.
Alluding to Jamaica’s Special Economic Zones model, he said positioning local firms within logistics, fisheries, tourism and port services ensures that economic expansion translates into domestic wealth creation rather than external value retention.
Prof. Spencer said Nigeria possesses the scale and institutional capacity to shape ocean governance in the Gulf of Guinea, but must decide early who owns, governs and benefits from its blue economy.
He maintained that nations that prioritise human capital, coherent governance and inclusive enterprise development secure not just growth, but resilience and leadership in an increasingly ocean-driven global economy.
The CMU Chief Executive commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria for creating the Ministry of Blue Economy, urging the Federal Government and its relevant agencies like Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to pursue vigorously, re-enlistment in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) White-List in order to fully harness the potentials of Blue Economy and the ocean for national development and the good of Nigerians.
Similarly, he applauded the Ondo State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for signing an MoU for the development of a deep seaport in Ondo and Southern Senatorial district, describing the step as welcoming.
"The seaport no doubt, is going to be a game changer, not only for Ondo State, but Nigeria as a whole", Spencer ascertained.
In his remarks, the OAUSTECH's Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Temi Ologunorisa commended Spencer for the highly insightful lecture.
The celebrated Professor of Blue Economy affirmed that Nigeria has a great asset to be tapped from the sea to develop its economy and empower millions of its citizenry.
The VC explained that having foreseen the inherent potentials of the Blue Economy to the nation and harping on its strategic advantage through proximity to the ocean, OAUSTECH has already established a workable partnership with CMU for training of its prospective students, who will spend their first two years in Nigeria and the remaining two years in CMU for the needed professional engagement.
Prof. Ologunorisa, who disclosed that OAUSTECH is already running BSc Marine Science added that the citadel would soon commence other degree programmes in Maritime Transport and Logistics.
He asserted that OAUSTECH is set to be a reference point in Maritime Studies in Nigeria and beyond.
Source:
Directorate of Information, Protocol and Public Relations (DIPPR),
OAUSTECH