By Sylva OBASI
The Centre for Marine Surveyors Nigeria (CMSN) in collaboration with the Institute of Maritime Studies, Niger Delta University has matriculated a new set of students for Post Graduate Diploma in Marine Surveying during the matriculation ceremony held last Saturday at its Lagos Study Centre in Victoria Island Lagos.
Speaking while delivering a Keynote Address entitled, “Charting New Waters: Professionalism, Innovation and Integrity of the Practice Of Marine Surveying”, the Vice Chancellor, Niger Delta University, Prof Allen Agih charged the students to uphold the three pillars of Marine surveying profession which he identified as integrity, professionalism and innovation as they begin their journey into becoming certified marine surveyors.
Explaining further, the VC who was represented by the Director, Institute of Maritime Studies, NDU, Engr Dr Charles Johnson noted that while Professionalism is the foundation of Marine surveying practice, integrity is the non-negotiable cornerstone, whereas innovation is the future of Marine surveying.
He also hinted the students on what to expect from the program, saying, “The PGD Marine Surveying is a 12-month academic and practical programme that requires significant commitment. You will face a rigorous curriculum combined with practical exercises designed to prepare you for thorough vessel inspections. The programme emphasises effective communication and detailed reporting—skills as critical as technical knowledge.
“This is not merely academic—it is a transformative experience that will shape your understanding of what it means to be a professional marine surveyor. Niger Delta University and CMSN are committed to ensuring you have a memorable experience leading to the successful attainment of your diploma. This programme is your gateway to a rewarding career in the maritime industry.
“You are charting new waters. The path ahead demands excellence, ethics, and evolution. The maritime industry of Nigeria—and indeed, the world—needs you. Make this programme count. Make your profession proud. And chart a course toward a future marked by professionalism, innovation, and integrity, the VC admonished.
Meanwhile, speaking while making a paper presentation tagged, “From Theory To Practice: Building the Next Generation of Certified Marine Surveyors for Nigeria’s Blue Economy”, the Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola said NIMASA is proud to be part of the program because marine surveyors are central to the roles of NIMASA as a regulator.
Dr Mobereola who was represented by the Assistant Director, Maritime Survey and Certification of NIMASA, Engr Emmanuel Isiuwa, urged the students to take very seriously the ethics of professionalism and integrity as misrepresentation of facts in marine surveying can have devastating effects on Nigerian economy.
He also hinted that in about a year or two, NIMASA would conclude its works towards ensuring that the Nigeria’s Marine surveying certificate is globally acceptable.
Also speaking while giving a brief overview on the Centre for Marine Surveyors Nigeria and the PGD Programme, the National Creator of the PGD Program on Marine Surveying, Capt Dr Fola Ojutalayo who doubles as a Council Member of CMSN stated that the students are very lucky to have come at a time when the industry is yearning for core professional surveyors that will be disciplined and regulated to give their best to the industry.
He urged the matriculating students to make optimal use of the training opportunity to advance their maritime career, adding that in years to come, the Centre in collaboration with NDU would also secure approval to run masters degree program in Marine surveying.
Earlier in his welcome address, the President of CMSN, Engr Akin Olaniyan, expressed his warmest greetings and congratulations to the matriculating students, urging them to uphold the vision, mission and motto of CMSN.
Engr Olaniyan who was represented by his Vice, Capt Ade Olopoenia said, “I welcome you all to this historic 3rd Matriculation Ceremony of CMSN in collaboration with the Institute of Maritime Studies, Niger Delta University (NDU).
“Today, we formally induct 55 new minds into the noble profession of Marine Surveying – the Class of 2025/2026. To you, our matriculating students, this is not just a ceremony. It is your first step onto the deck of professional responsibility. The theme of this matriculation, “Charting New Waters: Professionalism, Innovation and Integrity of the Practice of Marine Surveying”, could not be more fitting.
“As you begin this PGD journey, let me charge you with the vision, mission, and motto that define CMSN: Our Vision: “To make Knowledge, Probity, and Equity the bedrock of Marine Survey practice in Nigeria.”
“Our Mission: Commitment to enhancing knowledge while providing and expanding growth opportunities, and also regulating professional maritime surveying standards and practices.
Our Motto is Creativity, Excellence and Service”, he stated, while also wishing them a safe voyage and an impactful service in the maritime sector.
In his own, the President of Nigerian Association of Master Mariners who doubles as a Council member of CMSN, Capt Tajudeen Alao said he is happy that a simple dream of sanitizing the industry of fake marine surveyors is growing and gathering momentum.
He disclosed that in years to come, Nigeria would be filled with competent Marine surveyors who are ready to uphold the ethics of the profession and save the nation from further damages caused by fake surveyors.
According to him, “After their program, NDU will issue them certificates and CMSN will induct them as our members, and that way, we will monitor them and ensure they operate by the ethics of the profession, he assured.
However, for the Executive Secretary, Centre for Marine Surveyors Nigeria, Madam Lola Olabanjo, her message to the graduating students is simple as she wants them to be focused, goal oriented and vast in studies rather than limiting themsleves to a particular area of marine surveying. With this she said, the sky would be their limit.
As the curtain drew to a close at the matriculation ceremony, the message to uphold integrity, professionalism and innovation no doubt has formed a lasting impression and made an indelible marks in the hearts and minds of the students who are expected to put these words to action as they practice the profession in years to come.
CMSN has demonstrated that the Blue Economy vision and mission is realisable in pragmatic terms. Ideas inculcated, nurtured and homed in the heart of young population who are zealous in making the world a better place is a good investment targeted at a greater Nigeria. This’s what CMSN stands for and evidence so far demonstrates it. Hopefully growth and development as a continuum in CMSN is expected to be the norm judging from the transformative leadership style the Centre is running. It’s encouraging to see this feat replicating itself nationwide, in the sub-saharan Africa continent and eventually a global magnetic phenomenon.
We’re grateful to all and perceived supporters of this mission 🙏.