AFRICA'S-COASTAL-STATES-URGED-TO-ADOPT-BLUE-EDUCATION-TO-UNLOCK-$2.5-TRILLION-BLUE-ECONOMY ... Teach-Ocean-Science-for-Survival,-Jobs,-and-Justice

AFRICA'S COASTAL STATES URGED TO ADOPT BLUE EDUCATION TO UNLOCK $2.5 TRILLION BLUE ECONOMY

 

... Teach Ocean Science for Survival, Jobs, and Justice

Wisdom Tide News | July 5, 2026

Warri, Delta State, Nigeria 

Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo, Convener of the Africa Blue Economy Roundtable, has called on African coastal states to integrate Ocean Science into school curricula to drive sustainable growth, secure coastal livelihoods, and promote environmental stewardship. 

"Africa’s 38 coastal and island states sit on the world’s largest economic frontier, the ocean. Yet most students graduate without ever learning how it works. Blue Education in this context means the deliberate integration of Ocean Science into Africa's 38 coastal states' school curricula, which is the fastest way to turn the coastline into prosperity, resilience, and equity."

Presenting a paper titled “The Imperative of Blue Education” at the Warri Blue Economy Summit themed: “Harnessing Our Blue Wealth for Sustainable Growth and Shared Prosperity,” Dr. Kiyaramo said: “If the Niger Delta is to transition from oil dependence to ocean prosperity, we must start not at the ports, but in our classrooms.”

Citing Kenya, Seychelles, and the Philippines, he noted that ocean literacy has already produced youth-led seaweed farms and marine SMEs. “Blue Education directly addresses youth unemployment by preparing students for emerging sectors,” he said. 

With 71% of the Earth covered by ocean, Dr. Kiyaramo outlined three core imperatives: First, Survival Literacy: The ocean regulates climate, produces over 50% of global oxygen, feeds more than 3 billion people, and absorbs 30% of CO₂. For African students, knowledge of tides, mangroves, and plastic pollution is critical to managing floods, fishery decline, and public health risks. 

Secondly, Jobs and Wealth Literacy: The global Blue Economy exceeds USD $2.5 trillion. Africa’s maritime and coastal sectors employ millions in fishing, shipping, ports, boat building, tourism, and offshore energy. Integrating ocean science into the school curriculum will build a pipeline of marine engineers, aquaculture technicians, ocean data analysts, and port managers. 

Thirdly, Citizenship and Justice Literacy: Oil spills, illegal fishing, and coastal erosion are governance issues. Students grounded in ocean science can interpret Environmental Impact Assessments, demand accountability, and participate in decision-making, in line with SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. 

Dr. Kiyaramo, who serves as Special Assistant on Blue Economy to the Managing Director/CEO of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA) and former Senior Special Assistant on Tourism to Bayelsa State, lamented that SDG 14: Life Below Water remains the least funded of the SDGs. 

“Schools are the fastest and most cost-effective channel to close that gap,” he stated. 

In his address, the chief host, His Royal Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, the Olu of Warri, said: “A new frontier brings excitement and promise. It redefines a region’s potential and can transform the status quo. 

I welcome every advantage this frontier offers our people and nation. I am custodian of a people and a culture, and custodian of their environment. While we want our lives transformed by the Blue Economy, our environment must not pay the price. 

Our vision extends beyond conservation. It is about building a Green Economy that works with the Blue Economy and the Orange Economy — one that benefits our people now and for generations to come. 

By investing in our mangrove forests, we protect ecosystems, create livelihoods, and build resilience across the Niger Delta. Now is our moment to lead and show the world that unity of purpose delivers growth that uplifts both people and environment.”

In her welcome address, Chief (Dame) Ebiyemi Ojijala Omatseye, Executive Chairman, Warri Blue Economy Development Initiative, described the summit as a call to action. 

“This is more than a gathering of stakeholders. It is a platform to chart a sustainable path to prosperity through the Blue Economy,” she said. She paid tribute to HRM Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, whose leadership has positioned Warri as a hub for growth and innovation. 

"The summit seeks practical solutions to transform waterways into engines of growth, create youth employment, attract responsible investment, protect the environment, and ensure communities benefit directly. 

“The answer lies in partnership. Government, the private sector, traditional institutions, development partners, and communities must work together.

"Blessed with vast waterways and a proud maritime heritage, Warri has a natural pathway to prosperity. “Yet unemployment, environmental degradation, and poor infrastructure demand urgent action. I urge our youths and women to see themselves as leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs in the Blue Economy,” she added. 

The Summit resolved that Blue Education will produce graduates with “Blue Minds”- students who see the sea as opportunity, not waste. “If we teach Mathematics for the economy and Civic Education for democracy, we must teach Ocean Science for survival,” the Communiqué declared. 

School Boards and Ministries of Education are therefore urged to integrate Blue Education into the curriculum immediately to transition students from classroom to coastline.