Mariam Olamide Joshua, the winner of 5th Fola Ojutalayo’s Annual Maritime Speech-Making Competition (FOAMSC) at the recently concluded 2026 Annual Maritime Students and Youth Conference (AMSAY) organised by Platforms Communications is a brilliant 19 year old young lady and 200 level law student of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun state.
Beside winning a total sum of N500,000 cash prize from the Competition sponsors, Capt Dr Fola Ojutalayo and other good spirited maritime professionals who donated the competition’s Cash Prize, Mariam also won full scholarship from renowned ship owner, Engr Greg Ogbeifun who offered to train her from her current academic level to graduation.
4 months after winning the FOAMSC Prize, Platform Reporters in this media interview decided to check on Mariam to know how she’s faring in her academic and career pursuit since after shining brightly at the 10th AMSAY Conference. Enjoy the excerpts:
PLATFORM REPORTERS: Have you concluded processes with Starzs Investments for the commencement of the scholarship as awarded?
MARIAM: Not yet, Sir. I have not submitted the required school documents because we are yet to resume. I intend to submit them as soon as we resume and complete the necessary processes for the commencement of the scholarship.
PLATFORM REPORTERS: How did your I.T placement in NIMASA come about and how long is it going to last?
MARIAM: My I.T placement at NIMASA came about through the submission of my CV and cover letter. The process was made considerably easier with the support and assistance of Engr. Greg Ogbeifun, for which I am very grateful. The internship is scheduled to last for the duration of one month.
PLATFORM REPORTERS: After the I.T, what is next regarding your academic activities and studies?
MARIAM: After my I.T, I plan to resume fully and begin preparing in earnest for the next academic session. I also intend to build on the knowledge and exposure I have gained during the internship and apply them to my academic work, particularly in areas relating to maritime law.
PLATFORM REPORTERS: Finally, how do you feel about these developments following your participation at the 2026 AMSAY Conference and winning of the 5th FOAMSC?
MARIAM: I feel deeply fulfilled and grateful. Winning the 5th FOAMSC at the 2026 AMSAY Conference opened doors to opportunities that I genuinely value.
As someone who has been deeply passionate about maritime law, having the opportunity to intern at NIMASA, the apex regulatory body for maritime affairs in Nigeria, is no small feat for me.
In addition to my physical internship at NIMASA, I am also currently undertaking a virtual maritime internship at Popoola Taiwo LP. The experiences from both are complementing each other and giving me a broader understanding of both the regulatory and legal sides of the maritime industry.
Overall, I am very grateful for how things have unfolded since the AMSAY Conference and the FOAMSC. I see these opportunities not just as achievements, but as stepping stones towards the kind of maritime law career I hope to build.
PLATFORM REPORTERS: Meanwhile, what level will you enter when school resumes?
MARIAM: 300 level. Thank you for checking on me.
