The Chairman CILT CRS Branch Dr Anie Iton FCILT, led members of The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), Nigeria – Cross River State Branch on a strategic courtesy visit to Prof. Francisca I. Bassey the Vice Chancellor University of Cross River State (UNICROS), marking a significant step toward deepening collaboration between professional bodies and academic institutions in Nigeria. She acknowledged the tremendous commitment of the Cross River State Governor towards the Deep Sea Port development , the support given by the Federal Government and the importance of equipping the citizens with requisite knowledge. The visit highlighted the growing importance of logistics and transport education, maritime business, and supply chain management in Nigeria, especially as the country positions itself for increased trade, port development, and global supply chain integration, advancing Logistics Education through Academic collaborations During the engagement, discussions focused on creating a sustainable framework for professional collaboration between CILT and UNICROS, aimed at equipping students with globally competitive skills in transport, logistics, and supply chain management. Speaking on the impact of logistics on education and national development, the Vice Chancellor of UNICROS Prof.Francisca emphasized the institution’s commitment to industry-aligned learning stating that Logistics and Supply chain management have become central to economic growth, trade facilitation, and industrial development. She reiterated that UNICROSS partnership with CILT presents a unique opportunity to integrate professional standards into academic training, thereby ensuring that our graduates are well-prepared for real-world challenges. A key objective of the visit was to drive CILT membership among students, academic staff, and industry professionals, while encouraging the adoption of professional certification as a complement to academic degrees thereby boosting Membership and Professional Career Development. The Chairman of CILT Nigeria, Cross River State Branch, Dr. Anie Iton FCILT reiterated the Institute’s mission to strengthen capacity building within the education sector in her own words: “Our goal is to bridge the gap between theory and practical, by this partnership, we aim to create a strong pipeline of professionally certified graduates who can compete effectively within Nigeria and the global supply chain ecosystem.” One of the major outcomes of the visit was the proposal to establish an accredited CILT Professional Training and Career Development Centre at UNICROS. The centre would deliver internationally recognized programmes in: Maritime Logistics, Port Operations, Transport, Infrastructure, Warehousing, Inventory and Supply Chain Management in Nigeria and emerging global markets. ACCORDING TO THE MATRON CILT CRS, PST BARR MRS ROSEMARY ARCHIBONG, “The proposed training centre will serve as a hub for maritime training and logistics education in Cross River State, offering students, professionals and the indegenous community access to globally recognized certifications to boost their career in maritime logistics, shipping, port operations and supply chain management in order to prepare them towards taking advantage of the future openings of the deep seaport and its potentials in the industry". The collaboration reflects a shared understanding that logistics and Transport are strategic enablers of education, commerce, and national competitiveness. By embedding professional logistics training within the university system, UNICROS is positioned to become a reference point for supply chain education in Nigeria, particularly in the maritime and transport sectors. LOOKING AHEAD The courtesy visit signals the beginning of a purposeful partnership focused on knowledge transfer, skills development, and professional excellence. Both institutions expressed optimism that the collaboration will contribute meaningfully to workforce development, innovation, and the strengthening of Nigeria’s logistics and transport sector. Therefore, as Nigeria continues to expand its role in regional and global trade, initiatives such as this underscore the importance of aligning logistics education with industry needs, ensuring a resilient and future-ready supply chain workforce. Our key points are: - Transport and Logistics Management Education and Certification - Supply chain Management and Certification - Maritime Business Education and Certification. Dr Anie Iton FCILT Chairman CILT CRS Branch 05/02/2026, Calabar, CRS Nigeria 🇳🇬