By Sylvanus OBASI
Although the Nigerian maritime sector is already saturated with numerous public and private maritime academies offering courses on different fields of maritime studies, yet Flotilla Academy of Marine Technology has made a strong debut with a niche for practical training on technical Marine courses.
Established in 2024, the Flotilla Academy of Marine Technology (FAMT) is a monotechnic dedicated to providing high-quality, industry-relevant diploma programs in four key areas of marine technology, namely: Naval Architecture, Ship/Boat Building, Marine Surveying, and Marine Engineering.
Recognizing the growing demand for skilled professionals in the maritime sector, Flotilla Academy aims to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical skills, equipping graduates with the necessary expertise to excel in the dynamic maritime industry.
According to the Technical Director of the Academy, Engr Adakole Ejegbudu, “We hope to bridge the skill gap in Nigeria’s maritime sector, fostering innovation, safety, and sustainability in marine operations”.
“Our goal is to provide the nucleus of the manpower needs, to meet one of the cardinal requirements of Cabotage Regime, which is the provision that vessels must be built in Nigeria.
“FAMT aims to address the skills gap in the marine industry by equipping students with practical knowledge and technical expertise”, Ejegbudu stated.
He also added that with the growing demand for modern boats/ships and skilled marine professionals in Nigeria, and the wider African region, there is a clear significant opportunities in shipbuilding, repair and maintenance, and the Nigeria’s maritime sector is growing, with demand for skilled labor in these areas.
Speaking further on the Unique Selling Proposition (USP) of the academy, the Marine Engineer hinted that Flotilla Academy of Marine Technology offers a unique blend of theoretical and practical training, with a focus on hands-on experience and industry relevance.
He went ahead to List the Competitive Advantages of the academy to include the following:
1. First-Mover Advantage: The first Nigerian Monotechnic specializing in naval architecture.
2. Innovative Curriculum: AI, electrical propulsion, and CNG systems integrated into courses.
3. Strong Partnerships: Collaboration with Practical Boat Design and Seamanship International as well as MaxBoat Corporation of the Philippines
4. Expert Board: Distinguished professionals with decades of industry and academic experience.
The Director also enumerated the courses to be offered by the academy to include:
Naval Architecture: A two-year diploma course that covers the design, construction, and maintenance of ships and other marine vessels.
Ship/Boat Building: A two-year diploma course that focuses on the construction, repair, and maintenance of ships and small craft.
Marine Surveying: A two-year diploma course that covers the inspection,
assessment, and valuation of ships and other marine vessels.
Marine Engineering: A two-year diploma course that focuses on the design, installation, and maintenance of marine engines and other equipment (with focus on diesel, gasoline, CNG and Electric propulsion).
Adding that FAMT shall also offer various certificate courses.
