The University of Lagos (UNILAG), on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, celebrated a defining moment with the formal groundbreaking ceremony for a state-of-the-art futuristic building for the Institute of Subsea Engineering & Underwater Studies, UNILAG.
Staged on the picturesque backdrop of the University’s lagoon waterfront, the building donated by Marine Platforms Limited will house a pioneering venture which aims to boost Nigeria’s man-power development in the oil and gas sector.
The symbolic sod-turning was performed by the duo of the Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Marine Platforms Ltd, Mr. Taofik Adegbite. The thrusting of spades into the soil heralding the launch of a groundbreaking initiative was witnessed by the UNILAG Management team, Deans, Directors, and staff, as well as top officials of Marine Platforms Ltd.
Setting an Agenda
In her keynote address, Professor Ogunsola commended the leadership of Marine Platforms for its visionary plans and commitment to shift the narrative of subsea expertise.
She described the Institute as a cornerstone for human capacity development, which will elevate the skill set of students as well as academic, technical, and non-teaching staff of the University.
According to her, “This initiative will serve not just staff and students at UNILAG but the broader engineering workforce, addressing gaps in the marine and underwater operations”.
Her words resonated a pledge to sustain and expand collaborative efforts with industry, to ensure the emergence of a future-ready University that produces fit-for-purpose products.
While delivering his remarks, Mr. Adegbite captivated the audience with a compelling recount of the company’s journey in subsea and underwater engineering. He traced the company’s path of impact, noting how it has rippled through lives, transforming individuals that were unfamiliar with the sector into skilled contributors.
He highlighted some of the investments and efforts made by Marine Platforms over the years to shape subsea skill development and up-skill Nigeria’s indigenous workforce in the oil and gas industry.
Mr. Adegbite explained that the introduction of the Institute solidified his vision of impact and desire to provide training opportunities for Nigerians to become game-changers and trailblazers in the marine and undersea operations across the world, regardless of tribe, class/social status, or religious affiliations.
His stirring vision came alive as he spoke of the Institute’s future and ways the training will sharpen not just the academic community but the broader engineering ecosystem within and outside the University. His words, “This Institute will not only develop our engineers but inspire a generation of innovators”.
He unveiled bold plans such as advanced training programs, existing partnerships with global subsea institutions like the University of Aberdeen as well as the integration of cutting-edge technology to position Nigeria as a hub for underwater studies.
Adegbite’s remarks which ignited a spark of excitement, painted a future where the Institute of Subsea Engineering & Underwater Studies, UNILAG would have multiple effects across industries and borders.
The Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Professor Samson Oluropo Adeosun, under whose faculty the Institute is domiciled, expressed his profound appreciation to the leadership of Marine Platforms for their generous gesture.
He highlighted the significance of the partnership, noting that “it not only strengthens the Faculty’s capacity to deliver cutting-edge programs but also positions the University of Lagos as a leader in specialized engineering training”.
The ceremony’s closing came with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services) Professor Lucian Obinna Chukwu.
He expressed deep gratitude to all who played a role in bringing the Institute to fruition, specifically acknowledging the selfless efforts of a former Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Professor Funso Falade, among other notable contributors.
According to him, their dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment were instrumental in ensuring the project came to life.
The Professor of Marine Sciences traced the Institute’s origins back to 2019, when Marine Platforms proposed a Postgraduate Subsea Engineering program in collaboration with the University of Aberdeen.
After overcoming challenges like COVID-19, he revealed that the UNILAG Senate approved the Institute which is set to offer full- and part-time Subsea Engineering certificates and Diploma in ROV Operations.
The ceremony concluded with a ribbon-cutting at the UNILAG jetty security gate house, adorned with nautical carvings hinting at the underwater future.
Courtesy Visit:
Earlier, Mr. Adegbite along with his team paid a courtesy visit to the 11th Floor, Senate House Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS.
The team was received by the Vice-Chancellor and other members of management that includes Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Professor Lucian Obinna Chukw; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics and Research), Professor Bola Oboh; Registrar, Mrs V. Abosede Wickliffe, and Representative of the Bursar, Mrs Juliana Adeeyo.
The visit, which provided the University Management team an avenue to have a rapport with the leadership of Marine Platforms Limited, ended with a group photograph on the Ground Floor of Senate House.
Institute of Subsea Engineering & Underwater Studies, UNILAG: The Structure
Sitting on a 765-square-meter site, the Institute of Subsea Engineering and Underwater Studies building is a modern three-storey steel structure.
It will house bright classrooms, a specialized library, workshops, and a VMAX Simulator for hands-on training.
With the donation of a SAAB Seaeye Falcon Mini-ROV System, a jetty, and a Mery Fisher Work Boat by Marine Platforms, the Institute will provide practical learning opportunities through innovative and dynamic programmes.
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Ayo Oloyede
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