The Institute of Maritime Studies (IMS), University of Lagos, on Thursday, November 20, 2025, hosted its maiden Facilitators’ Retreat, an initiative designed to strengthen the Institute’s academic framework and further position UNILAG as a leader in maritime education and research.
The retreat marked the Institute’s first major gathering since the October 3, 2025, inspection of its newly constructed facility by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez. For details of the October 3, 2025, event, please click UNILAG Hosts IMO Secretary-General, Mr. Dominguez – University Of Lagos
It brought together educators, maritime stakeholders, and industry experts to rethink teaching methodologies in line with emerging demands and global best practices.
Held under the theme Innovative Teaching Strategies for the Blue Economy , the hybrid event featured three (3) distinguished speakers who delivered insightful presentations on the pressing need to transform classroom engagement to meet global industry expectations. They are:
- Professor Abraham Osinubi, Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies, UNILAG;
- Professor Folake Olowokudejo, Coordinator of the Executive MBA Programme, UNILAG Business School; and
- Mr. Ayo Odukoya, a Senior Security Engineer at Rezliant Inc.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, at the event, Professor Abraham Osinubi reiterated the University’s commitment to continuous learning and academic innovation.
His presentation titled: Paradigm Shift in Pedagogy: An Overview emphasized that rapid digital transformation demands a departure from traditional instructional methods and educators must become facilitators who inspire inquiry, creativity, and analytical thinking. His far-reaching reflections drew attention to contemporary challenges in teaching and learning, and underscored the need for renewed approaches to classroom engagement.
Speaking on Effective Facilitating for the Blue Economy: Strategies for Productive and Engaging Lectures, Professor Folake Olowokudejo highlighted the importance of experiential learning, case-based instruction and the use of analytics and simulation tools in building managerial and operational competence within maritime environments. She urged facilitators to embrace learner-centered strategies that promote engagement, collaboration, and adaptability.
Offering a technology-oriented perspective, Mr. Ayo Odukoya pointed out the growing relevance of cybersecurity, data literacy, and emerging technologies in maritime operations. He called for increased integration of digital tools, hands-on demonstrations, and real-world simulations to better equip facilitators for the complexities of a security-conscious global maritime landscape.
The interactive session which followed the presentations, enabled participants from the maritime industry, academia, and various faculties within the University to exchange ideas on strengthening Blue Economy education, deepening industry–academia collaboration, and embedding innovation across curriculum delivery.
Earlier, in her welcome remarks, the Director of IMS-UNILAG, Professor Mary Odukoya, described the retreat as a strategic milestone in enhancing teaching quality within the maritime discipline.
According to her, the Blue Economy requires educators who are adaptive, technologically inclined, and capable of integrating real-life industry scenarios into classroom instruction. The retreat, she noted, was designed to provide facilitators with practical insights, modern tools, and collaborative platforms essential for producing globally competitive maritime professionals.
The inaugural Facilitators’ Retreat was widely applauded for establishing a new benchmark in academic capacity development. It reaffirmed the Institute of Maritime Studies, UNILAG as a pivotal driver of innovation, excellence, and sectoral advancement within Nigeria’s Blue Economy landscape.
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs:. Tobi Gisanrin (Student Volunteer)
