(2022)
SECTION 1
(1) There is established the University of Maritime Studies, Oron, Akwa Ibom State (in this Act referred to as “the University”).
(2) The University shall be a body corporate with perpetual succession and a common seal and may sue and be sued in its corporate name.
(3) The University may acquire, hold and dispose of movable and immovable property for the purpose of its functions.
(4) The University shall be supervised by the Ministry responsible for education and Ministry responsible for transport in view of the specialised and technical nature of the courses offered by University which requires approval and regulation by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
Establishment of the University of Maritime Studies, Oron
SECTION 2
The objectives of the University shall be to
(a) provide courses of instruction and training to various levels of personnel required for running and operating ships of the merchant navy and also in marine technology, nautical science, marine engineering, applied research and applied marine sciences, and the University shall have powers to award its own degrees in accordance with the highest standards as may be prescribed by the NUC;
(b) encourage the advancement of learning and to hold out to all persons without distinction of race, creed, sex or political conviction, the opportunity of acquiring a higher education in shipping, applied maritime sciences and maritime technology, ship building and management;
(c) develop and offer academic and professional programmes, post graduate research leading to the award of diplomas, first degrees, and higher degrees in various aspects of shipping, merchant navy and related fields concerning the improvement of maritime studies, maritime safety and security, the protection of the maritime environment and efficiency of national and international shipping;
(d) provide a centre for middle and high level maritime education, research, scholarship and capacity-building and an effective means for the sharing of maritime technology with other institutions, with a view to promoting the achievement, nationally and globally, of the highest practicable standards in matters concerning maritime technology, ports, marine engineering, piloting and navigation, marine insurance, hydrography, marine safety and security, efficiency of navigation and the prevention and control of marine pollution including air pollution from ships;
(e) establish appropriate relationships with other national and international institutions involved in training, research and development of maritime studies and maritime matters;
(f) identify the maritime problems and needs of the society and to find solutions to them within the context of the overall national development;
(g) undertake any other activities appropriate for a maritime university of the highest standard;
(h) make plans, and arrangements for perpetual development of the maritime industry;
(i) teach science and technology contributory to the maritime profession; and
(j) know and comply with the provisions and standards prescribed by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
Objectives of the University
SECTION 3
(1) The University shall consist of
(a) a Chancellor;
(b) a Pro-Chancellor;
(c) a Vice Chancellor;
(d) two Deputy Vice Chancellor;
(e) a body to be called Congregation;
(f) a body to be called Convocation;
(g) the campuses and colleges of the University;
(h) the faculties, schools, and other teaching and research units of the University;
(i) the persons holding the offices constituted by the First Schedule to this Act other than those mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (d) of this subsection;[First Schedule]
(j) all graduates and undergraduates;
(k) a representative of the NUC, not below directorate grade; and
(l) all other persons who are members of the University in accordance with provisions made by Statute.
(2) The First Schedule to this Act shall have effect with respect to the principal officers of the University mentioned in it [First Schedule]
(3) A provision shall be made by Statute with respect to the constitution of the –
(a) Council ;
(b) Senate;
(c) Congregation; and
(d) Convocation.
Constitution and principal officers of the University
SECTION 4
(1) For the achievement of its objectives as specified in section 2 of this Act, the University shall —
(a) establish such campuses, colleges, faculties, schools, extra-mural departments and other teaching and research units within the University as may seem necessary or desirable, subject to the approval of the NUC;
(b) institute professorships, readerships and associate professorships, lectureships and other posts and offices and to make appointments to them;
(c) institute and award fellowships, scholarships, exhibitions, bursaries, medals, prizes and other titles, distinctions, awards and forms of assistance;
(d) provide for the residence, discipline and welfare of members of the University;
(e) hold examinations and award degrees, diplomas, certificates and other distinctions to persons who have pursued a course of study approved by the University and have satisfied such other requirements as the University may prescribe;
(f) award honorary degrees, fellowships or academic titles;
(g) demand and receive from any student or any other person attending the University for the purpose of instruction such fees as the University may determine, subject to the overall directives of the appropriate authority;
(h) subject to section 22 of this Act, to acquire, hold, grant, charge or otherwise deal with or dispose of movable and immovable property wherever situate;
(i) accept gifts, legacies and donations, but without obligation to accept the same for a particular purpose, unless it approves the terms and conditions attaching to it;
(j) enter into contracts, establish trusts, act as trustee, solely or jointly with any other person, and employ and act through agents;
(k) erect, provide, equip and maintain libraries, laboratories, lecture halls, halls of residence, refectories, sports grounds, playing fields and other buildings or things necessary, suitable or convenient for any of the objects of the University;
(l) hold public lectures and undertake printing, publishing and book selling;
(m) subject to any limitation or condition imposed by Statute, invest any money appertaining to the University by law of endorsement, whether for general or special purposes, and such other money as may not be immediately required for recurrent expenditure, in any investment or security or in the purchase or improvement of land, with power to vary any such investment and to deposit any money for the time being uninvested with any bank on deposit or current account;
(n) borrow, whether on interest or not, upon the security of any or all of the property movable or immovable of the University, such money as the Council may, in its discretion, find necessary or expedient to borrow or to guarantee any loan, advance or credit facility;
(o) make gifts for any charitable purpose;
(p) do anything which it is authorised or required by this Act or by any other Statute to do; and
(q) do all such acts or things, whether or not incidental to the powers, as may advance the objects of the University.
(2) Subject to the provisions of this Act and of the Statutes made under it and without prejudice to section 9 (2) of this Act, the powers conferred on the University by subsection (l) shall be exercisable on behalf of the University by the Council or by the Senate or in any other manner which may be authorised by this Act.
Powers of the University
SECTION 5
(1) The Chancellor shall in relation to the University, take precedence before all other members of the University, and when he is present shall preside at all meetings of convocation held for conferring degrees.
(2) The Pro-Chancellor shall, in relation to the University, take precedence before all other members of the University except the Chancellor, and except for the Vice Chancellor when acting as Chairman of Congregation or Convocation, and the Pro-Chancellor shall, when he is present, be the Chairman at all meetings of the Council.
Functions of the Chancellor and Pro-Chancellor
SECTION 6
(1) There shall be a Council for the University consisting of—
(a) the Pro-Chancellor;
(b) the Vice-Chancellor;
(c) the Deputies Vice-Chancellor;
(d) the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry responsible for education or, in his absence, one person from the Ministry to represent him;
(e) the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry responsible for education or, in his absence, one person from the Ministry to represent him; [Act No. 11, 1993]
(f) four persons representing a variety of interest and broadly representative of the whole Federation to be appointed by the President;
(g) four persons appointed by the Senate from among its members;
(h) two persons appointed by the Congregation from among its members;
(i) one person appointed by the Convocation from among its members; and
(j) the Registrar, who shall be the Secretary of the Council.
(2) Persons to be appointed to the Council shall be persons of proven integrity, knowledgeable and familiar with the affairs and tradition of the University.
Composition of the Council of the University
SECTION 7
(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act relating to the Visitor, the Council shall be the governing body of the University and shall be charged with the general control and superintendence of the policy, finances and property of the University, including its public relations.
(2) There shall be a committee of the Council to be known as the Finance and General Purposes Committee, which shall, subject to the directions of the Council, exercise control over the property and expenditure of the Council as the Council may delegate to it.
(3) Provision shall be made by Statute with respect to the constitution of the Finance and General Purposes Committee.
(4) The Council shall ensure that proper accounts of the University are kept and the accounts of the University are audited annually by auditors appointed by the Council from the list and in accordance with guidelines supplied by the Auditor- General for the Federation, and that an annual report is published by the University together with certified copies of the accounts as audited.
(5) Subject to this Act and the Statutes, the Council and the Finance and General Purposes Committee may each make rules for the purpose of performing any of their respective functions or of regulating their own procedure.
(6) Rules made under subsection (5) by the Finance and General Purposes Committee shall not come into effect unless approved by the Council, and where any rule so made by the Committee conflicts with any direction given by the Council (whether before or after the coming into effect of the rules in question), the direction of the Council shall prevail.
(7) There shall be paid to the members of the Council, the Finance and General Purposes Committee and of any other Committee set up by the Council, allowances in respect of travelling and other reasonable expenses, at such rates as may be fixed by extant government circulars.
(8) The Council shall meet as and when necessary for the performance of its functions under this Act, and shall meet at least four times every year.
(9) If required in writing by five members of the Council, the Chairman shall within 28 days, after the receipt of such request, call a meeting of the Council, provided that if after 28 days of the receipt or delivering to him of such request, the Chairman fails or neglects to call a meeting, the Registrar shall, within 14 days, cause a meeting of the Council to be convened for that purpose and the request shall specify the business to be considered at the meeting and no business not so specified shall be transacted at that meeting.
Functions of the Council and its Finance and General Purposes Committee
SECTION 8
(1) Subject to section 5 of this Act and subsections (3) and (4) and to the provisions of this Act relating to the Visitor, it shall be the general function of the Senate to organise and control teaching in the University, admission to post-graduate courses and other admission of students, the discipline of students and to promote research in the University.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the provisions of subsection (I), it shall in particular be the function of the Senate to make provision for the —
(a) establishment, organisation and control of campuses, colleges, faculties, departments, schools, institutes and other teaching and research units of the University, and the allocation of responsibility for different branches of learning;
(b) organisation and control of courses of study in the University and of the examinations held in conjunction with those courses, including the appointment of examiners, both internal and external;
(c) award of degrees, and such other qualifications as may be prescribed, in connection with examinations conducted by the University;
(d) making of recommendations to the Council with respect to the award to any person of an honorary fellowship or honorary degree or the title of professor emeritus;
(e) establishment, organisation and control of halls of residence and similar institutions in the University;
(f) supervision of the welfare of students in the University and the regulation of their conduct;
(g) granting of fellowships, scholarships, prizes and similar awards in so far as the awards are within the control of the University; and
(h) determination of what description of dress shall be academic dress for the purposes of the University, and regulating the use of academic dress.
(3) The Senate shall not establish any new campus, college, faculty, department, school, institute or other teaching and research units of the University, or any hall of residence or similar institution at the University without the approval of the Council.
(4) Subject to this Act and the Statutes, the Senate may make regulations for the purpose of exercising any function conferred on it either by the provisions of this section or for the purpose of providing for any matter for which provision by regulation is authorised or required by this Act or by Statute.
(5) The Senate shall, by regulation, provide that at least one of the persons appointed as examiners at each final or professional examination held in conjunction with any course of study in the University is not a teacher at the University but is a teacher at the branch of learning to which the course relates in some other institution of high repute.
(6) Subject to a right of appeal to the Council from a decision of the Senate under this subsection, the Senate may deprive any person of any degree, diploma or other award of the University which has been conferred on him if after due enquiry he is shown to have been guilty of any dishonorable or scandalous conduct in gaining admission into the University or obtaining that award.
Functions of the Senate
SECTION 9
(1) There shall be a general fund for the University which shall consist of—
(a) annual budgetary allocation by the Federal Government through appropriation by the National Assembly;
(b) statutory grants from N IM AS A to augment paragraph (a) for administration, management and research on maritime and maritime related discoveries;
(c) grants-in-aid;
(d) Fees;
(e) income derived from investments;
(f) gifts, legacies, endowments and donations not accepted for a particular purpose;
(g) income derived from the performance of any function conferred or imposed on the University by this Act;
(h) any other amounts, charges or dues recoverable by the University;
(i) revenue accruing to the University by way of subventions;
(j) interests on investments;
(k) donations and legacies accruing to the University from any source for the general or special purposes of the University; and
(l) regular TETFUND interventions.
(2) Subject to subsection (1) (b), NIMASA shall, not later than 30 September in each financial year, prepare and forward to the Minister for presentation to the National Assembly for approval, a statement of estimated income and expenditure to augment subsection (1) (b).
General Funds of the University
SECTION 10
(1) The Vice-Chancellor shall, in relation to the University, take precedence before all other members of the University except the Chancellor and, subject to section 5 of this Act, the Pro-Chancellor and any other person for the time being acting as Chairman of the Council.
(2) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Vice-Chancellor shall have general function, in addition to any other function conferred on him by this Act, of directing the activities of the University, and shall, to the exclusion of any other person or authority, be the chief executive and academic officer of the University and ex-officio Chairman of the Senate.
Functions of the Vice-Chancellor
SECTION 11
(1) Any property held by or on behalf of the Provisional Council of the University shall, by virtue of this subsection, vest in the University and be held by it for the purpose of the University.
(2) The provisions of the Second Schedule to this Act shall have effect with respect to, and to matters arising from, the transfer of property by this section and with respect to the other matters mentioned in that Schedule. [Second Schedule]
Transfer of property
SECTION 12
(1) Subject to this Act, the University may make Statutes for —
(a) making provision with respect to the composition and constitution of any authority of the University;
(b) specifying and regulating the powers and duties of any authority of the University, and regulating any other matter connected with the University or any of its authorities;
(c) regulating the admission of students where it is done by the University, and their discipline and welfare;
(d) determining whether any particular matter is to be treated as an academic or non-academic matter for the purposes of this Act and of any Statute, regulation or other instrument made under it; and
(e) making provision for other matters for which provision by Statute is authorised or required by this Act.
(2) Subject to section 26 (6) of this Act, the Interpretation Act shall apply in relation to any Statute made under this section as it applies to a subsidiary instrument within the meaning of section 27 (1) of that Act. [Cap. 123, LFN, 2004]
(3) The Statute contained in the Third Schedule to this Act shall be deemed to have come into effect on the commencement of this Act and shall be deemed to have been made under this section by the University. [Third Schedule]
(4) The power to make Statute conferred by this section shall not be prejudiced or limited in any way by reason of the inclusion or omission of any matter in or from the Statute contained in the Second Schedule to this Act. [Second Schedule]
Statutes of the University
SECTION 13
(1) The power of the University to make Statutes shall be exercised in accordance with the provisions of this section.
(2) A proposed Statute shall not have the effect of law until it has been approved at a meeting of the —
(a) Senate, by the votes of at least two-thirds of the members present and voting; and
(b) Council, by the votes of at least two-thirds of the members present and voting.
(3) A proposed Statute may originate either in the Senate or Council, and may be approved as required by subsection (2) by both bodies in no particular order.
(4) A Statute which –
(a) makes provision for or alters the composition or constitution of the Council, the Senate or any other authority of the University; or
(b) provides for the establishment of a new campus or college or for the amendment or revocation of any Statute whereby a campus or college is established, shall not come into operation unless it has been approved by the Visitor.
(5) For the purpose of section 2 (2) of the Interpretation Act, Statute shall be treated as being made on the date on which it is approved by the Council and the Senate in accordance with subsection (3) or in the case of a Statute falling within subsection (4), on the date on which it is approved by the President. [Cap. 123, LFN, 2004]
Mode of exercising power to make Statutes
SECTION 14
A Statute may be proved in any court by the production of a copy bearing or having affixed to it a certificate signed by the Vice-Chancellor or the Registrar to the effect that the copy is a true copy of a Statute of the University.
Proof of Statute
SECTION 15
(1) In the event of any doubt or dispute arising at any time as to the meaning of any provision of a Statute, the matter may be referred to the Visitor, who shall take such advice and make such decision as he deems fit.
(2) The decision of the Visitor on any matter referred to him under this section shall be binding upon the authorities, staff and students of the University and where any question as to the meaning of any provision of a Statute has been decided by the Visitor under this section, no question as to the meaning of that provision shall be entertained by any other authority in Nigeria, provided that nothing in this subsection shall affect the power of a court of competent jurisdiction to determine whether any provision of a Statute is wholly or partly void as being ultra vires or as being inconsistent with the Constitution.
(3) The provisions of this section shall apply in relation to any doubt or dispute as to whether any matter is, for the purposes of this Act, academic or non-academic matter as they apply in relation to any such doubt or dispute as is mentioned in subsection (1), and accordingly the reference in subsection (2) to any question as to the meaning of any provision of a Statute shall include references to any question as to whether any matter is for the said purposes an academic or non-academic matter.
Power of Visitor to decide meaning of Statutes
SECTION 16
(1) The President shall be the Visitor of the University.
(2) The Visitor shall, as often as the circumstances may require not being less than once every five years, conduct a visitation of the University or direct that such a visitation be conducted by such persons as the Visitor may deem fit and in respect of any of the affairs of the University.
(3) The bodies and persons comprising the University shall —
(a) make available to the Visitor, and to any other persons conducting a visitation under this section, such facilities and assistance as he or they may reasonably require for the purpose of the visitation; and
(b) give effect to any instruction consistent with the provisions of this Act which may be given by the Visitor in consequence of the visitation.
The Visitor
SECTION 17
(1) If it appears to the Council that a member (other than Pro-Chancellor or the Vice Chancellor) should be removed from office on grounds of misconduct or inability to perform the functions of his office, the Council shall make a recommendation to that effect through the Minister to the Federal Executive Council and if the Federal Executive Council, after making such enquiries (if any) as may be considered necessary, approves the recommendation, it may direct the removal of the member from office.
(2) The Minister shall use his best endeavors to cause a copy of the instrument embodying a direction under subsection (1) to be served as soon as reasonably practicable on the person to whom it relates.
Removal of certain members of Council
SECTION 18
(1) If it appears to the Council that there are reasons for believing that any person employed as a member of the academic, administrative or professional staff of the University, other than the Vice Chancellor, should be removed from office or on grounds of misconduct or inability to perform the functions of his office, the Council shall —
(a) give notice of those reasons to the person in question;
(b) afford such person an opportunity of making representation on the matter to the Council; and
(c) take a decision to terminate or not to terminate the appointment.
(2) If the affected staff or any three members of the Council so request within a period of one month from the date of receipt of the notice of the Council’s decision, the Council shall make arrangements for –
(a) a joint committee of the Council and the Senate to review the matter and to report on it to the Council; and
(b) the person in question to be afforded an opportunity to appear before and be heard by an investigating committee with respect to the matter; and if the Council after considering the report of the investigating committee is satisfied that the person in question should be removed, the Council may remove him by an instrument in writing signed on the directions of the Council.
(3) The Vice-Chancellor may, in a case of gross misconduct by a member of staff which in the opinion of the Vice-Chancellor is prejudicial to the interest of the University, suspend such member and any such suspension shall immediately be reported to the Council.
(4) Any member of staff may be suspended from duty or his appointment may be terminated by the Council for a good cause and, for the purposes of this subsection, good cause” means —
(a) conviction for any offence which the Council considers to be such as to render the person concerned unfit for the performance of the functions of his office;
(b) any physical or mental incapacity which the Council, after obtaining medical advice, considers to be such as to render the person concerned unfit to continue to hold office;
(c) conduct of a scandalous or disgraceful nature which the Council considers to be such as to render the person concerned unfit to continue to hold office; or
(d) conduct which the Council considers to be such as to constitute failure or inability of the person concerned to discharge the functions of his office or to comply with the terms and conditions of his service.
(5) Any person suspended under subsection (3) shall be on half pay and the Council shall, before the expiration of a period of three months from the date of such suspension, consider the case against that person and come to a decision as to whether to —
(a) continue such person’s suspension and if so on what terms (including the proportion of his emoluments to be paid to him);
(b) reinstate such person in which case the Council shall restore his full emoluments with effect from the date of suspension;
(c) terminate the appointment of the person concerned in which case such a person will not be entitled to the proportion of his emoluments withheld during the period of suspension; and
(d) take such lesser disciplinary action against such person (including the restoration of such proportion of his emoluments that might have been withheld) as the Council may determine.
(6) Where the Council, under this section, decides to continue a person’s suspension or decides to take further disciplinary action against the person, the Council shall, before the expiration of three months from such decision, come to a final determination in respect of the case concerning such a person.
(7) The person by whom an instrument of removal is signed under subsection (1) shall use his best endeavors to cause a copy of the instrument to be served as soon as reasonably practicable on the person to whom it relates.
(8) Nothing in this section shall prevent the Council from making regulations for the discipline of staff and workers of the University as may be appropriate.
Removal and discipline of academic, administrative and professional staff
SECTION 19
(1) If, on the recommendation of the Vice-Chancellor or, if it appears to the Senate that a person appointed as an examiner for any examination of the University ought to be removed from his office or appointment, then, the Senate may, after affording the examiner an opportunity of making representations in person on the matter, direct the Vice-Chancellor to remove the examiner by an instrument in writing signed by the Registrar.
(2) Subject to the provisions of any regulation made under this Act, the Vice Chancellor may, on the recommendation of Senate, appoint an appropriate person as examiner in the place of the examiner removed.
(3) The Registrar shall on signing an instrument of removal under this section, use his best endeavors to cause a copy of the instrument to be served as soon as reasonably practicable on the person to whom it relates.
Removal of examiners
SECTION 20
(1) Subject to the provisions of this section, where it appears to the Vice-Chancellor that any student is guilty of misconduct, the Vice-Chancellor may, without prejudice to any other disciplinary powers conferred on him by Statute or regulations, direct that the —
(a) student shall not, during such period as may be specified in the direction, participate in such activities of the University or make use of such facilities of the University as may be specified;
(b) activities of the student shall, during such period as may be specified in the direction, be restricted in such manner as may be specified;
(c) student be rusticated for such period as may be specified in the direction; or
(d) student be expelled from the University.
(2) Where a direction is given under subsection (1) (c) or (d) in respect of any student, the student may, within the prescribed period and in the prescribed manner, appeal against the direction to the Senate, and where an appeal is brought under subsection (2), the Senate shall, after causing such inquiry to be made in the matter as the Senate considers just, either confirm or set aside the direction or modify it in such manner as the Senate deems fit.
(3) The fact that an appeal from a direction is brought under subsection (2) shall not affect the operation of the direction while the appeal is pending.
(4) The Vice Chancellor may delegate his powers under this section to a disciplinary committee consisting of such members of the University as he may nominate.
(5) Nothing in this section shall be construed as preventing the restriction or termination of a student’s activities at the University for conduct which in the opinion of the Senate is prejudicial to the interest of the University or to its corporate objective or image.
(6) A direction under subsection (1) (a) may be combined with a direction under subsection (1) (b).
Discipline of students
SECTION 21
(1) No person shall be required to satisfy requirements as to race (including ethnic grouping) sex, place of birth, family origin, religious or political persuasion, as a condition for becoming or continuing to be a —
(a) student in the University;
(b) holder of any degree, appointment or employment in the University; or
(c) member of any body established by this Act.
(2) No person shall be subjected to any disadvantage or accorded any advantage in relation to the University by reference to any of the matters referred to in subsection (1).
(3) Nothing in subsection (1) shall be construed as preventing the University from imposing any disability or restriction on any of the persons specified in subsection (1), where such persons willfully refuse or fail on grounds of religious belief to undertake any duty generally and uniformly imposed on all such persons or any group of them which duty, having regard to its nature and the special circumstances, is in the opinion of the University reasonably justifiable in the national interest.
Exclusion of discrimination
SECTION 22
(1) For the purpose of the Land Use Act, which provides for the compulsory acquisition of land for public purposes, any purpose of the University shall be the same as that of the Federation.
(2) Where an estate or interest in land is acquired by the Government under this section, the Government may, by a certificate under the hand and seal of the Chief Federal Lands Officer or any other person authorised in that behalf, transfer it to the University.
Application of the Cap. L5, LFN, 2004
SECTION 23
Without prejudice to the provisions of the Land Use Act, the University shall not dispose of or charge any land or an interest in any land, including any land transferred to the University by this Act, except with the prior written consent, either general or special, of the Visitor: Provided that such consent shall not be required in the case of any lease or tenancy at a rack-rent for a term not exceeding 21 years of any lease or tenancy to a member of the University for residential purpose.
Restriction on disposal of land by the University
SECTION 24
Except as may be otherwise provided by Statute or by regulation, the quorum and procedure of any body or persons established by this Act shall be such as may be determined by that body or persons.
Quorum
SECTION 25
(1) Anybody or persons established by this Act shall, without prejudice to the generality of the powers of that body, have power to appoint committees, which need not consist exclusively of members of that body and authorise a committee established by it to —
(a) exercise on its behalf, such of its functions as it may determine, and
(b) co-opt members and direct whether or not coopted members shall be entitled to vote in that committee.
(2) Any two or more of such bodies may arrange for holding of joint meetings of those bodies or for the appointment of committees consisting of members of those bodies, for the purpose of considering any matter within the competence of those bodies or any of them and either dealing with it or of reporting on it to those bodies or any of them.
(3) Except as may be otherwise provided by a Statute or regulation, the quorum and procedure of a committee established or meeting held under this section shall be such as may be determined by the body or bodies which have decided to establish the committee or hold the meeting.
(4) The Pro-Chancellor and the Vice-Chancellor shall be members of every committee of which the members are wholly or partly appointed by the Council, other than a committee appointed to inquire into the conduct of the officer in question and the Vice-Chancellor shall be a member of every committee of which the members are wholly or partly appointed by the Senate.
(5) Nothing in this section shall be construed as enabling –
(a) Statutes to be made otherwise than in accordance with section 12 of this Act; or
(b) the Senate to empower any other body to make regulations to award degrees or other qualifications.
Appointment of committees
SECTION 26
(1) The seal of the University shall be such as may be determined by the Council and approved by the Chancellor and the affixing of the seal shall —
(a) in the case of certificates issued by the University, be authenticated by the Vice-Chancellor and the Registrar; and
(b) in the case of any other document, be authenticated by any member of Council, the Vice-Chancellor and the Registrar or any other person authorised by Statute.
(2) Any document purporting to be a document executed under the seal of the University shall be received in evidence and shall, unless the contrary is proved, be deemed to be so executed.
(3) Any contract or instrument which, if made or executed by a person not being a body corporate, would not be required to be under seal, may be made or executed on behalf of the University by any person generally or specially authorised to do so by the Council without seal.
(4) The validity of the proceedings of anybody established under this Act shall not be affected by —
(a) any vacancy in the membership of the body;
(b) any defect with appointment of a member of the body; or
(c) reason that any person not entitled to do so took part in the proceedings.
(5) A member of anybody who has a personal interest in any matter proposed to be considered by that body shall disclose his interest to the body and shall not vote on any question relating to that matter.
(6) Nothing in section 12 of the Interpretation Act, which provides for the application, in relation to subordinate legislation, of certain incidental provisions, shall apply to Statutes or Regulations made under this Act. [Cap. 123, LFN, 2004]
(7) The power conferred by this Act on anybody to make Statutes or Regulations shall include power to revoke or vary any —
(a) Statute, including the Statute contained in the Second Schedule to this Act; or [Second Schedule]
(b) Regulation by a subsequent Statute or Regulation as the case may be, provided that the Statutes and Regulations may have different provisions in relation to different circumstances.
(8) No stamp or other duty shall be payable in respect of any transfer of property to the University by virtue of sections 11,22, and the Second Schedule to this Act. [Second Schedule]
(9) Any notice or other instrument authorised to be served by virtue of this Act may, without prejudice to any other mode of service, be served by post.
Miscellaneous administrative provisions
SECTION 27
Where in any provisions of this Act, it is prescribed that proposals are to be submitted or a recommendation is to be made by one authority to another through one or more intermediate authorities, every such intermediate authority shall forward any proposal or recommendation received by it under that provision to the appropriate authority, but any such intermediate authority may, if it deems fit, forward its own comments on it.
Proposal and recommendation
SECTION 28
A person who has a cause of action against the University shall —
(a) give the University three months’ notice, in writing, of intention to commence an action, disclosing the cause of action and serve the processes to the principal office of the University; and
(b) commence the legal action within two years from the date the cause of action arose.
Pre-action notice
SECTION 29
(1) The Maritime Academy of Nigeria Act, Cap. M3, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, is repealed.
(2) On the commencement of this Act, any person employed by or serving in, Maritime Academy, Oron, shall be deemed to have been employed or serving in the University established in this Act.
(3) All Assets or liabilities belonging to Maritime Academy Oron, shall be deemed to belong to the University established under this Act.
Repeal, savings and transitional provisions
SECTION 30
In this Act — “appropriate authority” means any person, body or authority authorised by law to act in a specific or general capacity in relation to a subject matter; “campus” means any campus which may be established by the University; “college” means any college which may be established by the University; “Constitution” means the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, Cap. C23, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004; Government” means the Federal Government of Nigeria; graduate” means a person on whom a degree, other than an honorary degree, has been conferred by the University to him; “gross misconduct” means any act of misconduct and improper behavior that may be designated as gross misconduct by any Statute or Regulations made in this Act; “Minister” means the Minister responsible for education; “misconduct” means any conduct which is prejudicial to the good name of the University or discipline and the proper administration of the business of the University; “officer” does not include the Visitor; “prescribed” means prescribed by Statute or Regulations made under this Act; “Professor” means a person designated as a professor of the University in accordance with provisions made in that behalf by Statute or regulations; “property” includes rights, liabilities and obligations; “Provisional Council” means the provisional Council appointed for the University by the President; “regulations” means regulations made by the Senate or Council; “Senate” means the Senate of the University established by this Act; “Statute” means a Statute made by the University under section 12 of this Act; “teacher” means a person holding a full time appointment as a member of the teaching or research staff of the University; and “University” means the University of Maritime Studies, Oron, Akwa Ibom State.
Interpretation
SECTION 31
This Act is cited as University of Maritime Studies, Oron (Establishment) Act, 2022.
Citation
Section 3(l)(i) and (2)
PRINCIPAL OFFICERS OF THE UNIVERSITY
The Chancellor
l . (1) The Chancellor shall hold office for a term of five years.
(2) [f it appears to the Visitor, that the Chancellor should be removed from his office on the ground of misconduct or of inability to perform the functions of his office for insanity or other illness of incapacitation, the Visitor may by notice in the Federal Government Gazette remove the Chancellor from office
The Pro-Chancellor
2. (l ) The Pro-Chancellor shall be appointed or removed from office by the President
(2) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Pro-Chancellor shall hold office for a term of four years beginning with the date of his appointment.
The Vice Chancellor
3. (l ) Subject to the provisions of this paragraph, the Vice-Chancellor shall be appointed or removed from his office by the Council, in accordance with section 3 (l ) of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provision) Act, No. I l , 1993.
(2) The Vice-Chancellor shall hold office for a single term of five years, in accordance with the provisions of section 3 (7) of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provision) Act, No. I l , 1993.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor
4. ( l ) There shall be for the University, two Deputy Vice-Chancellors or such number of Deputy Vice-Chancellors as the Council may deem necessary for the proper administration of the University.
(2) The procedure for the appointment and removal of the Deputy Vice Chancellor shall be in accordance with the provisions of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, No. I l , 1993.
Office ofthe Registrar
5. (l ) There shall be for the University, a Registrar, who shall be the chief administrative officer of the University and shall be responsible to the Vice-Chancellor for the administration of the University except as regards matters for which the Bursar is responsible in accordance with paragraph 6 (2) of this Schedule.
(2) The person holding the office of Registrar shall, by virtue of that office, be Secretary to the Council and the Senate.
(3) The Registrar shall hold office for such period and on such terms and conditions as to emoluments as may be specified in his letter of appointment.
The Bursar
6. (l ) There shall be for the University, the following principal officers in addition to the Registrar
(2) The Bursar shall be the chief financial officer of the University and shall be responsible to the Vice-Chancellor for the administration and control of the financial affairs of the University.
The University Librarian
(3) The University Librarian shall be responsible to the Vice Chancellor for the administration of the University Library and the co-ordination of all library services in the University and its campuses, colleges, faculties, schools, departments and institutes and other teaching or research units.
(4) The Bursar and the University Librarian shall each hold office for such period and on such terms and conditions as to emoluments as may be specified in their letters of appointment.
Selection Board for Other Principal Officers of the University
7. ( l ) There shall be, for the University, a Selection Board for the appointment of principal officers, other than the Vice-Chancellor or Deputy Vice-Chancellor, which shall consist of
(a) the Pro-Chancellor, as Chairman;
(b) the Vice-Chancellor;
(c) four members of the Council not being members of the Senate; and
(d) two members of the Senate.
(2) The functions, procedure and other matters relating to the Selection Board constituted under subparagraph (l ) shall be as the Council may determine.
(3) The Registrar, Bursar and Librarian shall hold office for such period and on such terms as to the emoluments of their offices and otherwise as may be specified in their letters of appointment.
Resignation and Re-Appointment
8. (l ) The Vice-Chancellor may resign by notice to the Council which shall immediately notify the Minister; and
(2) A person who has ceased to hold an office otherwise than by removal for misconduct shall be eligible for re-appointment to that office.
Director of Works
9. There shall be for the University, a Director of Works, who shall be responsible to the Vice Chancellor for the administration of the Works Department, and shall be responsible for all works, services and maintenance of the University’s facilities.
Director of Health Services
10. There shall be for the University, a Director of Health Services, who shall be responsible to the Vice-Chancellor for the administration of the Health Centre and he shall be the chief medical officer of the University and shall coordinate all matters relating to the health of all staff and students.
Sections 1 1(2), 12(4), and (8)
TRANSFER OF PROPERTY TO UNIVERSITY
l . Without prejudice to section I l ( l ) of this Act
(a) the reference in that subsection to property held by the Provisional Council shall include a reference to the right to receive and give a good discharge for any grants or contributions which may have been voted or promised to the Provisional Council; and
(b) all debts and liabilities of the Provisional Council outstanding shall become debts or liabilities of the University.
2. ( l ) All agreements, contracts, deeds and other instruments to which the Provisional Council was a party shall, so far as possible and subject to any necessary modifications, have effect as if the University had been a party to it in place of the Provisional Council.
(2) Documents not falling within subparagraph (l ), including enactments, which refer, whether specially or generally, to the Provisional Council, shall be construed in accordance with that subparagraph so far as applicable.
(3) Any legal proceedings or application to any authority pending by or against the Provisional Council may be continued by or against the University.
Registration of Transfers
3. (l ) [f the law in effect at the place where any property transferred by this Act is situated provides for the registration of transfers of property of the kind in question (whether by reference to an instrument of transfer or otherwise), the law shall, so far as it provides for alterations of a register (but not for avoidance of transfers, the payment of fees or any other matter) apply, with the necessary modifications, to the property.
(2) The body to which any property is transferred by this Act shall furnish the necessary particulars of the transfer to the proper officer of the registration authority, and the officer shall register the transfer accordingly.
Transfer of Functions
4. (l ) The first meeting of the Council shall be convened by the Pro-Chancellor on such date and in such manner as he may determine.
(2) The persons who were members of the Provisional Council shall be deemed to constitute the Council until the date when the Council as set up under the Third Schedule to this Act shall have been duly constituted.
(3) The first meeting of the Senate as constituted by this Act shall be convened by the Vice-Chancellor on such date and in such manner as he may determine.
(4) The persons who were members of the Senate immediately before the coming into effect of this legislation shall be deemed to constitute the Senate of the University until the date when the Senate as set up under the Third Schedule to this Act shall have been duly constituted.
(5) Subject to any Regulation which may be made by the Senate after the date on which this Act is made, the schools, school boards and students of the University immediately before the coming into effect of this legislation shall on that day become schools, school boards and students of the University as constituted by this Act.
(6) Persons who were Deans or Associate Deans of schools or members of school boards shall continue to be Deans or Associate Deans or become members of the corresponding school boards, until new appointments are made under the Statutes.
(7) Any person who was a member of the staff of the University as established or was otherwise employed by the Provisional Council shall become the holder of an appointment at the University with the status, designation and functions which correspond as nearly as may be to those which appertained to him as member of that staff or as such an employee.
Section 12(3)
The Council
l . ( l ) Any member of Council holding office under section 6 (e), (f), (g) or (h) of this Act may, by notice to the Council resign his office.
(2) A member of Council holding office under section 6 (e), (f), (g) or (h) of this Act shall, unless he previously vacates it, vacate that office on the expiration of a term of four years.
(3) Where a member of Council holding office under section 6, (e) (f), (g) or (h) of this Act vacates office before the expiration of his tenure, the body that appointed him may appoint a successor to hold office for the residue of his unexpired term.
(4) A person ceasing to hold office as a member of Council otherwise than by removal for misconduct shall be eligible for re-appointment for only one further term of four years.
(5) The quorum of the Council shall be five, at least one of whom shall be a member under section 6 (d) and (e) of this Act.
(6) If the Pro-Chancellor is not present at a meeting of the Council, the members present at the meeting may appoint one of them to be the Chairman at that meeting, and subject to section 5 of this Act and the provisions of this paragraph, the Council may regulate its own procedure.
(7) Where the Council desires to obtain advice with respect to any particular matter, it may co-opt not more than two persons for that purpose, and the persons co-opted may take part in the deliberations of the Council at any meeting but shall not be entitled to vote.
(8) The Council constituted by this Act shall have a four-year tenure from the date of its inauguration, provided that where a Council is found to be incompetent and corrupt, it shall be dissolved by the Visitor and a new Council shall be immediately constituted for the effective functioning of the University.
(9) The powers of the Council shall be exercised in accordance with the laws and Statutes of the University, and to that extent, establishment circulars that are inconsistent with the laws and Statutes of the University shall not apply to the University.
The Finance and General Purpose Committee
2. ( l ) The Finance and General Purpose Committee of the Council shall consist of
(a) the Pro-Chancellor, who shall be the Chairman of the Committee at any meeting at which he is present;
(b) the Vice-Chancellor and a Deputy Vice-Chancellor;
(c) six other members of the Council appointed by the Council two of whom shall be selected from among the four members of the Council appointed by the Senate and one of whom shall be selected from among members of the Council appointed by the Congregation; and
(d) the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry responsible for education or, in his absence, one person from the Federal Ministry responsible for education
(2) The quorum of the Committee shall be six.
(3) Subject to any direction given by the Council, the Committee may regulate its own procedure.
The Senate
3. ( l ) There shall be a Senate for the University consisting of
(a) the Vice Chancellor;
(b) the Deputy Vice Chancellors;
(c) all Professors of the University;
(d) all Deans, Provosts and Directors of Academic Units of the University;
(e) all Heads of Academic Departments, Units and Research Institutes of the University;
(f) the University Librarian; and
(g) academic members of the Congregation who are not Professors as specified in the laws of the University.
(2) The Vice Chancellor shall be the Chairman at all meetings of the Senate when he is present and, in his absence, one of the Deputy Vice-Chancellors appointed by him shall be the Chairman at the meeting.
(3) The quorum of the Senate shall be one-quarter, or the nearest whole number less than one quarter, and subject to subparagraph (2), the Senate may regulate its own procedure.
(4) [f so requested in writing by any 10 members of the Senate, the Vice Chancellor, or, in his absence a person duly appointed by him shall convene a meeting of the Senate to be held not later than the tenth day following that on which the request was received.
The Congregation
4. (l ) The Congregation shall consist of
(a) the Vice Chancellor and the Deputy Vice Chancellor s;
(b) the full time members of the academic staff;
(c) the Registrar;
(d) the Bursar; and
(e) every member of the administrative and technical staff who holds a degree of any Institution recognised for the purpose of this Statute by the Vice Chancellor, not being an honorary degree.
(2) Subject to section 5 of this Act, the Vice-Chancellor shall be the Chairman at all meetings of Congregation when he is present, and, in his absence, one of the Deputy Vice-Chancellors appointed by him shall be the Chairman at the meeting.
(3) The quorum of Congregation shall be one-third, or the nearest whole number to onethird, of the total number of members of Congregation or 50, whichever is less.
(4) A certificate signed by the Vice Chancellor specifying
(a) the total number of members of the Congregation for the purposes of any particular meeting or meetings of the Congregation, or
(b) the names of the persons who are members of Congregation during a particular period, shall be conclusive evidence of that number or as the case may be of the names of those persons.
(5) Subject to the provisions of this Schedule, the Congregation may regulate its own procedure.
(6) The Congregation shall be entitled to express, by resolution or otherwise, its opinion
on all matters affecting the interest and welfare of the University and shall have such other functions in addition to the function of electing a member of the Council, as may be provided by Statute or Regulations.
The Convocation
5. (l ) The Convocation shall consist of
(a) the officers of the University mentioned in the First Schedule to this Act; (b) all teachers within the meaning of this Act; and
(c) all other persons whose names are registered in accordance with subparagraph (2).
(2) A person shall be entitled to have his name registered as a member of the convocation if he
(a) is either a graduate of the University or a person satisfying such requirements as may be prescribed for the purposes of this paragraph; and
(b) applies for the registration of his name in the prescribed manner and pays the prescribed fee.
(3) Regulations shall provide for the establishment and maintenance of a register for the purpose of this paragraph and, subject to subparagraph (3), may provide for the payment of further fees by persons whose names are on the register and for the removal from the register of the name of any person who fails to pay those fees.
(4) The person responsible for maintaining the register shall, without the payment of any fee, ensure that the names of all persons who are for the time being members of the Convocation by virtue of subparagraph (l) (a) or (b) are entered and retained in the register.
(5) A person who reasonably claims that he is entitled to have his name on the register shall be entitled on demand to inspect the register, or a copy of the register at the principal offices of the University at all reasonable times.
(6) The register shall, unless the contrary is proved, be sufficient evidence that any person named in it is, and that any person not named in it is not, a member of the Convocation, but for the purpose of ascertaining whether a particular person was such a member on a particular date, any entry in, and deletion from, the register made on or after that date shall be disregarded.
(7) The quorum of the Convocation shall be fifty or one-third, or the whole number nearest to one-third, of the total number of members of the Convocation whichever is less.
(8) Subject to section 5 of this Act, the Chancellor shall be Chairman at all meetings of the Convocation when he is present, and, in his absence, the Vice Chancellor shall be the Chairman at the meeting.
(9) The Convocation shall have such functions, in addition to the function of appointing a member of the Council, as may be provided by Statute.
Division of schools
6. Each Faculty shall be divided into such number of branches as may be prescribed.
School Boards
7. ( l ) There shall be established in respect of each Faculty, a Faculty Board which, subject to the provisions of this Act, and subject to the directions of the Vice-Chancellor,
(a) regulate the teaching and study of, and the conduct of examinations connected with, the subjects assigned to the faculty;
(b) deal with other matters assigned to it by Statute, the Vice-Chancellor or the Senate; and
(c) advise the Vice-Chancellor or Senate on any matter referred to it by the Vice-Chancellor or Senate.
(2) Each Faculty Board shall consist of
(a) the Vice-Chancellor;
(b) the persons severally in charge of the branches of the faculty;
(c) such number of the teachers assigned to the faculty and having the prescribed qualifications as the Board may determine; and
(d) such persons whether or not members of the University as the Faculty Board may determine with the general or special approval of Senate.
(3) The quorum of the Faculty Board shall be eight members or one-quarter of the members of the Faculty Board for the time being, whichever is greater.
(4) Subject to the provisions of this Statute and any provision made by regulations in that behalf, the Faculty Board may regulate its own procedure.
The Dean of the Faculty
8. (l ) The Dean of a faculty shall be a professor elected by the Faculty Board and such Dean shall hold office for a term of two years and may be eligible for re-election for another term of two years after which he may not be elected again until two years have elapsed.
(2) If there is no professor in a faculty, the Vice Chancellor shall appoint an acting Dean who shall not be below the rank of Senior Lecturer for the faculty, who shall act for a term of one year in the first instance, renewable for another one year only.
(3) In the absence of the Vice Chancellor, the Dean shall be the Chairman at all meetings of the Faculty Board when he is present and he shall be a member of all committees and other boards appointed by the faculty.
(4) The Dean of a faculty shall exercise general superintendence over the academic and administrative affairs of the faculty and shall present to the Convocation for the conferment of degrees, persons who have qualified for the degrees of the University at examinations held in the branches of learning for which responsibility is allocated to that faculty.
(5) There shall be a committee to be known as the Committee of Deans which shall consist of all the Deans of the several faculties and that committee shall advise the Vice Chancellor on all academic matters and on particular matters referred to the Committee by the Senate.
(6) The Dean of a faculty may be removed from office for a good cause by the Faculty Board after a vote would have been taken at a meeting of the Board, and in the event of a vacancy occurring following the removal of the Dean, an Acting Dean may be appointed by the Vice Chancellor provided that at the next Faculty Board meeting an election shall be held for a new Dean.
(7) In this article, “good cause” has the same meaning as in section 18 (4) of this Act.
Selection of certain principal and other key officers
9. ( l) When a vacancy occurs in the office of the Registrar, Bursar, the University Librarian, Director of Works or Director of Health Services, a Selection Board shall be constituted by the Council and shall consist of
(a) the Pro-Chancellor;
(b) the Vice-Chancellor;
(c) two members appointed by the Council, not being members of Senate; and
(d) two members appointed by the Senate not being members of Council.
(2) The Selection Board, after making such inquiries as it deems fit, shall recommend a candidate to the Council for appointment to the vacant office, and after considering the recommendation of the Board, the Council may make an appointment to that office.
(3) A person appointed to the office of Director of Works or Director of Health Services shall hold office for such period and on such terms and conditions as may be specified in his letter of appointment.
Creation of academic post
10. Recommendation for the creation of posts other than those mentioned in paragraph 9 of this Schedule shall be made by the Senate to the Council through the Finance and General Purposes Committee.
Appointment of academic staff
l l . ( l ) Subject to this Act and Statutes, the filling of vacancies in academic posts (including newly created ones) shall be the responsibility of the Senate.
(2) For the purpose of filling such vacancies, suitable selection boards to select and make appointments on behalf of the Council shall be set up.
(3) For appointments to professorships, associate professorship or readerships or equivalent posts, a board of selection, with power to appoint, shall consist of
(a) the Vice-Chancellor;
(b) two members appointed by the Council;
(c) four members appointed by the Senate, at least two of whom shall be members of the Senate, while the other two members shall be professional peers in the professional area in which an appointment is to be considered;
(d) if the post is tenable at a college, the Provost of the college;
(e) if the post is within a school, institute or other teaching unit in the University, the Dean of the school or the teaching unit, or the director of the institute, as the case may be; and
(f) such other persons, not exceeding two in number, deemed capable of helping the Board in assessing both the professional and academic suitability of a candidate under consideration, as the Senate may appoint.
(4) For other academic posts, a selection board, with power to appoint, shall consist of
(a) the Vice-Chancellor;
(b) four members appointed by the Senate, at least two of whom shall be members of the Senate, while the other two members shall be professional peers in the professional area in which an appointment is to be considered;
(c) four members appointed by the Senate, at least two of whom shall be members of the Senate, while the other two members shall be professional peers in the professional area in which an appointment is to be considered;
(d) if the post is tenable at a college, the Provost of the college;
(e) if the post is within a school, institute or other teaching unit in the University, the Dean of the school or the teaching unit or the director of the institute, as the case may be; and
(f) such other persons, not exceeding two in number, deemed capable of helping the Board in assessing both the professional and academic suitability of a candidate under consideration, as the Senate may appoint.
(5) All appointments to senior library posts shall be made in the same way as equivalent appointments in the academic cadre, and for all such posts other than that of the Librarian, the Librarian shall be a member of the Selection Board.
(6) Boards of selection may interview candidates directly or consider the reports of specialists interviewing panels and shall in addition, in the case of professorships, associate professorships, readerships or equivalent posts, consider the reports of external assessors relevant to the area in which the appointment is being considered.
Appointment of administrative and professional staff
12. (l ) The administrative and technical staff of the University, other than those mentioned in paragraph 9 of this Schedule, shall be appointed by the Council or on its behalf by the Vice-Chancellor or the Registrar in accordance with any delegation of powers made by the Council in that behalf.
(2) In the case of administrative or technical staff that has close and important contacts with the academic staff, there shall be Senate participation in the process of selection.
Interpretation
13. [n this Statute, the expression “the Act” means the Universities of Maritime Studies Act, Oron (Establishment) Act, 2023 and any word or expression defined in the Act has the same meaning in this Statute.
