Marine Science and technology

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DEPARTMENT OF MARINE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY ...unlocking marine resources potentials

Brief

The Department of Marine Science & Technology was approved as an academic Department of the University by National University Commission in 2009 as part of the School of Earth and Mineral Sciences. The foundation Head of Department, Dr Y. A. Asiwaju-Bello, FNMGS, was appointed immediately to midwife the successful take-off of the Department. The first set of students, made up of 10 males and 1 female, was admitted through UTME into 100-level Bachelor of Technology programme in October 2010. In the subsequent 2011/2012 session, 2 direct entry students were admitted into 200-level to raise the number at that level to 13. Fifty-eight students, made up of 55 males and 3 females, were admitted into the 100-level that session to constitute the second set. Since inception, there had been overwhelming number of enquiries from would-be students about admission into the Department. This confirms the high level of popularity of the programme among applicants.

The Department has secured the goodwill of the management of Ondo State Sports Council for the use of 100-meter long State-owned swimming to train our 100-level students. We have also established a working relationship with Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) for joint usage of NIMET Marine Observatory yard at Aiyetoro, Ondo State. Possible areas of cooperation are being worked out with National Institute for Oceanography & Marine Research (NIOMR), Victoria Island, Lagos.

The Department is into negotiation with some overseas Universities and international agencies for cooperation on areas of training and joint usage of marine facilities.

Programme’s Objective

To use a multi-disciplinary approach to impart basic and fundamental knowledge of marine science.

To train students with the capability to explore and exploit the marine environment; and

To equip the students with result–oriented research capability for industrial, technological and academic development of the country.

Programme’s Philosophy

To provide world-class training and research in marine science and technology using multidisciplinary approach that covers the breadth of issues involved in the exploration and exploitation of the marine environment.

To produce well-trained marine scientists qualified to practise in marine-based industries.

Programme’s Justification

The Programme is justified by the fact that marine environment is fascinating to study and work owing to its beauty, richness, and complexity. It covers three quarters of the surface of the Earth, yet we know less about it. In the past, it was seen as both an inexhaustible resource and a bottomless sink for our wastes. However the increasing pressures of overpopulation, pollution and the threat to our natural environment mean that there is an increasing need for scientists who can understand how it all works, how it affects us, and how we are affecting it.

Also, the oceans store and transport as much heat pole wards as does the atmosphere. The oceans can be viewed as the largest and most complex ecosystems on Earth with more photosynthesis occurring there than on land. Human impacts are also felt within the oceans. A conveyor belt of water movements can transport pollutants far from their points of origin to remote regions. The effects can range from the influence of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, to damage caused by oil spills and litter on the sea surface and that caused by fishing and offshore mineral extraction in deeper waters. Much recent research is related to the fact that the oceans are inextricably linked to climate. Issues such as climate change and sea-level rise are the focus of major national and international studies.

From local issues to global concerns, we now know that the marine environment is inextricably linked to human lives, and to their future survival. It is an area where much remains to be discovered, and where only a multidisciplinary approach, along the philosophy of this department, can cover the breadth of issues to be confronted. Consequently, the introduction of a degree programme in marine studies with emphasis on the physical and chemical aspects is considered to be a right step in the right direction.